2020-07-07 Handwritten MinutesCITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
JULY 77 2020, REGULAR, CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY BOBBIE JENKINS
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee
to order on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 6:00_ P.M. in the City Council Chambers,
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. 20-150 effective June 23, 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 video, audio, and digital
comments were recorded and retained as a permanent record. The invocation was
offered by Pastor Don Hanna with the First United Methodist Church, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance by Council Member Jarriel.
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 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, Finance Director India Riedel, and Executive
Assistant Robin Brock were 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deferred, or withdrawn; there were none.
B. Council Member _BJ_ moved to approve the agenda as presented/amended;
seconded by Council Member _BK__
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
C. There were no agenda item form: 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 and Public Works Director Allen presented
Mr. Marvin Roberts with a Longevity Service Award of $250.00 and a framed
certificate which read "In recognition of your 20 -years of service, hard work,
and dedication to the City, its citizens, and your fellow employees from July
7, 2000 through July 7, 2020."
David -we figured he's only got 24 more years to go to beat cleveland's record.
Indispensable part of our operation. One of the first things I recognized was the rank and
file of maintenance operators. First to be promoted to lead operator, certs in temporary
traffic control, signals, and right-hand guy for chemicals. When Donnie retired, he was
promoted to maintenance foreman. Ask the guys today, guys expect some lunch from
your check.
Marvin -years ago we had a guy working for us named Brian Padgett, I asked him to write
a speech from and years ago and I've been using it ever since, "thanks for having me".
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 1 of 14
B. Calling the 2020 City General Election, Mayor Watford read the following
Proclamation in its entirety for the record: "Whereas, under and by virtue of the
provisions of the Charter, Elections Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances
for the City of Okeechobee, and Florida State Laws, it is the duty of the
Mayor to proclaim and call General City Elections at the time and manner
provided therein; and Whereas, proclaiming General City Elections shall be
issued by a Proclamation, at least 90 days prior to the date of holding of
such election, signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk; and
Whereas, such Proclamation shall specify the office or offices to be filled,
the cause of the vacancy of such office or offices, and the date of the
expiration of the terms of such office or offices; and Whereas, the City Clerk
shall publish the Proclamation in the local newspaper at least twice, once
being in the fifth week, and once being in the third week, prior to the week
in which the General City Election will be held.
Now, Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor of the City of Okeechobee,
Florida do hereby proclaim and declare that a General City Election is to be
held by the duly qualified electors of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, for
the purpose of electing the following officers to serve as such, for four
years, beginning January 4, 20211, and ending January 6, 2025, following
such election or until their successors are elected and qualified: Two (2)
City Council Members. Said General Election shall be held on November 3,
2020, during the regular hours of voting, to wit: from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
to be held in the County polling or voting places within the Municipal
Precinct(s), which have been established by the Supervisor of Elections
and Board of County Commissioners for Okeechobee County; and during
the Early Voting period as provided by State Law, to be held from October
19, through 31, 2020; or Vote -by -Mail as provided by State Law. In
Testimony and Witness of the foregoing Notice of General City Election, I
have hereunto set my hand as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida,
and caused the corporate seal of said City to be affixed, and attested to by
the City Clerk, this 7t" day of July, 2020."
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member _mc to approve the consent agenda
items A through b [June 16, 2020, Regular meeting minutes; Disposal of
obsolete and surplus equipment: 1970 Ford T-2 Water Truck, 1997 Ford F-250
Truck, Back Rack for 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, Bard Air Conditioning Unit, HP
Pavilion Slimline computer, Sharp Carousel microwave, Dual Cassette Recorder,
three black vertical filing cabinets, unclaimed computer equipment, and
miscellaneous unused office supplies (as provided in Exhibit 1); Purchase of
Opticom Preemption Kits for Fire Department vehicles (as provided in Exhibit 2)];
seconded by Council Member _bk__.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
Item C: MC -question because it's for the GPS. They're requesting 7 GPS', what
pieces of equipment are they putting it on.
MDO-they are mirroroing the County protocols but we haven't seen the MOU
yet.
DW -ladder trucks, engines, brush trucks, chief trucks, cpt turck
MDO-yes
MC -isn't this a little premature. If we move the FD to the County, wouldn't they
only be taking 2 or 3 vehicles.
MDO-MOU will be received within the next month. We will be providing the
same service as the County until a decision is made. Preemption knows where
the trucks are. Spoke to Chief Franklin on this at the Workshop. Again,
providing the same protocols for the City. The same MOU will continue on.
DW -if we were to contract with he county to provide this service and they take
two of our pieces of equipment, at thus particular time should we go ahead and
get them all? We wouldn't need it thE�n.
MDO-correct, but we are at least 8 or 9 months away, and will continue to serve
our citizens.
DW -is it worth it, or should we wait a month or two.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 2 of 14
MC -is it really important for us to put this on the brush truck. Im not questioning
the fire department, just the brush truck.
Chief -we don't use just as a brush track, we run it as a hybrid, for med and
accident calls. We use that opposed to using an engine sometimes.
MC -so we need to put this on 7 vehicles right?
Chief -if you do one, you should do all.
MDO-again just to provide the same service. Item was budgeted for
acceptance. Another item forthcoming when County finishes MOU.
WA -when is the county going online?
MDO-we have a MOU, it is being installed on our lights. Understanding it is
within the next month.
DW—could go into operation within a month.
BK -just to add a suggestion. In light of CM Clark's suggestions, maybe just
approve the amount that will be on vehicles that would potentially go to the
OCunty, instead of all 7. Just a thought. I mean I understand we are still
responsible for providing services always, just a suggestion along those
common lines.
Chief -removable
DW -make a decision one way or the other. Recommendation from staff is to
approve the
MC -motion; 2nd BJ
No discussion
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
Mayor -concerned with the level of increase in cases shown, that's why im
wearing a mask. Im trhing to speak as loud as I can through a mask.
VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:21 P.M.
A. A motion was made by Council Member _MC_ to read by title only,;
seconded by Council Member _BK_
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1211 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING
SECTION 6-1 OF CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE
FOR THE SALE OF ALCOHOL INCLUDING PACKAGE SALES WITHIN THE
CITY AT CERTAIN TIMES EVERY DAY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Council Member—MC—moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1211, amending
the Sunday sale time and to allow for package sales of alcoholic beverages (as
provided in Exhibit 3); seconded by Council Member _WA_.
Public comments: none. Council discussion: DW -I voted against the first reading,
I understand the theory. I have two issues I think this will put us out of step with
the county regulations, and my personal beliefs, I think we should respect certain
things and one of those are having alcohol sales on Sunday morning.
VOTE: Ayes- Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
Mayor Watford,. Motion Carried.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 3 of 14
B. A motion was made by Council Member _bj_ and seconded by Council
Member _mc_ to read 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 Southwest (SW) 7t" Avenue (Ave) from
Residential Multiple Family (RMF) to Industrial (IND) [as provided in Exhibit 4;
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 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 71h
AVE; thence North 00°08'53" West along the West ROW line of said SW 7th AVE, a distance of
76.17 -feet (FT) to the point of beginning (POB); thence South 89049'42" 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 00008'48" 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.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM B CONTINUED: Thence North 89047'29" 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 4th 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 27036'08 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, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING
CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN,
FROM RMF TO INDZONING DISTRICT (PETITION NO. 20-001-R);
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
A motion was made by Council Member MC__ to adopt ordinance; seconded by Council
Member _BK_.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
EX -PARTE COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Watford asked the Council to disclose any ex -parte
communication regarding this rezoning.
JF -quasi-judicial item, specific tract, quasi -legislative action was just done previously. Zoning,
rezoning is quasi-judicil, any action, emails, independent effort to view the property.
MC -yes, I had a discussion with Mr. Fowler, two discussions Chartier and Hoover.
WA -yes, I had a discussion with Mr. Dobbs
BJ -yes, I had a discussion with Mr. Dobbs and drove by the property, looked it up on the
property appraisers website, spoke to property owner on site
DW -1 did drive by the property and speak with Mr. Dobbs.
Public comment: there was none. Council Discussion: DW -I feel like we have an obligation to
the surrounding property owners. I don't feel like this is an appropriate spot for industrial.
BK -I had asked when the owner was present the moving expenses, etc. We have a small town,
there's not a lot of room to grow. We do have a commerce center and I think that one of our
jobs here as a city council is to grow and culture -the community in an appropriate manner. I
think that where we feel zoned parcels are inappropriate in the current locations, I would like
to suggest in the future possibly looking at helping those type sites that may be in the commerce
center, moving them to the commerce center, however we could do it legally, subsidizing a
move, the potential growth of that property and business, to do business in the commerce
center. We have a beautiful commerce center with vacancies. There are a few businesses that
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 4 of 14
should be in the commerce center. We could design our small downtown to be more light
commercial stuff vs. industrial type stuff.
BJ-im against spot zoning but in this situation, the property was already zoned industrial when
he moved in. this will cure the trucks on the road issue.
VOTE: Ayes- Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
Mayor Watford,. Motion Carried.
C. A motion was made by Council Member _bj_ and seconded by Council
Member _bk_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 9000'00" 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].
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."
A motion to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1214 was made by Council Member _MC_ and
seconded by Council Member _BJ_
EX -PARTE COMMUNICATIONS: none was disclosed.
No public comments or council discussion.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:33 P.M.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 5 of 14
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Update from Tiffany Collins, Florida Department of Health Okeechobee County,
regarding COVID-19. Still in phase 2 of our plan to recover. 7/1 fudning structure
changed, 139 million at the state level, moving frorn a disaster phase to a
recovery phase. Cares dollars to fund contract positions, LPN, contact tracers.
Ive asked the community to look for volunteers to help us with the call center. 50
or more calls increased per day. Im gonna have to shut down if I don't get
volunteers. The increased calls are more general question. DOH continue to
focus on high risk. Contact tracing, investigations, hospitalized, health care
workers, congregate settings, over the age of 65, disease, and pregnant with
symptons. Self isolate for a period of at least 14 days if you think you are affected.
Median age of 35 testing positive in Okeechobee. Call looking for volunteers M-
F 8 to 5, region 6 charlotte county come out on Monday, 160 residents at nursing
home, TrueCore DOJ tested. As soon as we get the results, move forward with
isolation protocols. We have been made aware, much like hurricane parties,
individuals are having COVID quarantine parties, do not engage in those. Not a
good idea, inviting people who are known to be positive to the party to expose
more people. 55,000 of the 67,000 masks. Given them out to about 70.000
agencies in the County. 863462-5805 to set up a time to get masks. Community
Testing sites, DOH high risk testing FREE, FCHC testing considering to
downgrade Martin County site to residents only, am aware they have stopped
tues-th in Pahookee, Walmart no longer, CVS through drive thru, Urgent care
continues o do testing. CDC goal of 2% testing will continue. Goal to administer
833 tests. Once tested positive, additional tests do not count
2106 tests administered that counted to dashboard. 5.06% of population.
Pediatric 175, 71 were positive 40.6'% rate, 6t" highest in the state
Antibody 149, 5 comeback positive 3.3% state rate 9.62%
Positivity rate in Okee County 10.8%. research is saying there is a high false
negativity rate. Meaning some of the 149 that came back negative could be
positive
451 cases 0-93, 48% m, 51 % F, 9 black, 51 white,
4106 tests administered IN OKEE COUNTY.
GET INFORMATION FROM THE DASHBOARD BEFORE GOING HOME.
Florida #3 in the US. Symptoms updated on CDC website.
DW -big question we all have is do you have to have symptoms to be tested? Do
I understand that's the health department rule?
TC -no, CDC guidance, definitely capacity. Across the state the labs are backed
up. Symptomatics labs are taking 8-11 days to get results. Local focusing on
symptomatic testing.
DW -seems like we are fighting a losing battle. Seems like we were catching up
but we are behind now.
TC -the more positives come in, 40 contacts per positive.
DW -if I come into contact with a positive person, I can't get tested without
symptoms.
TC -just don't know where the Exposure is going to come from. True
asymptomatic is never getting any symptoms, 2 to 14 days from exposure to get
first symptom.
WA -your results, do they include testing from the blood banks?
TC -antigen testing is included, antibody is not.
DW -one blood is advertising they are doing antibody test.
MC -contact tracing, you are testing those people? Or telling them to stay home
for 2 weeks.
TC -closer than 6 feet, longer than 15 min with no mask, then stay home.
MC -why are the other small communities allowed to test?
TC -not a matter of not being able to, its having the resources to be able to.
B. Request by Okeechobee Main Street: to install two 4'x 8' signs in Park #5 for the
Cattle Drive Sculpture Project for approximately one year and waive any
applicable sign permit fees [as provided in Exhibit 6].
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 6 of 14
Kathy Scott, Vice Director of Arts and Cultural alliance -Okeechobee Main Street
Arts & Cultural Alliance's Cattle Drive Project is in progress with the goal for
installation in 2021. We would like to place "Future Home Of' Signs in Park # 5
so the community is aware where the sculpture will be and to show that the
project continues to move forward. There would be two (2) 4'x 8' professionally
printed signs. One sign will face Hwy. 70 and the other towards Park Street. The
signs will be constructed to withstand the elements and aesthetically pleasing to
the Park landscape. Sign conceptual layout, construction material and location in
Park #5 are included on the attached documents.
Letter support received from ECOK. "read into record by the Mayor"
DW -wording on sign
Motion to approve -BJ. 2nd BK
DW -be better to have a picture of what the sculptures will look like.
Kathy -we won't have a picture of ours until they're done. All donation
information is on the OKMS website. There is a gofundme set up as well.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried,
C. A motion was made by Council Member _mc_ to rescind the designation
of Fire Engine 5 as surplus and its donation to St. James -Lanark Volunteer
Fire Department and transfer the Engine to the Public Works Department to
replace the T-2 Water Truck [as provided in Exhibit 7]; seconded by Council
Member _bk_
The Council approved the donation of Fire Engine 5 to the St. James -Lanark
Volunteer Fire Department at the April 16, 2019 meeting.
MDO-answer any questions. Worked tirelessly with tht City but they weren't able
to pickup the vehicle. Severe maintenance issue on the water truck.
WA -do they know that they are not getting it now.
Chief -calls, messages, emails, texts.
DW -send a certified return receipt.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
D. A motion was made by Council Member _wa—to approve the renewal of
Public Risk Management (PRM), Inc., Group Health Trust for the Health
Insurance Policy Plan No. PPO 0727 (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) [as provided
in Exhibit 8]; seconded by Council IVlember _mc_
The City's current premium structure for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan 0727:
Employee Only $850.70; Employee and Spouse $2,123.81; Employee and
child(ren) $1,698.25; Employee Family $2,708.95. The City's' claim experience
has significantly improved from the prior three to five years. The medical claims
this year did not include any large claims (i.e. $150,000 or more) which can
severely impact an entity our size. The PRM Group has an overall increase of
5.5%, with the application of City's claims experience rating the City's increase in
premium being presented is 4.5% increase. The fiscal impact based on the
number of employees equates to a $31,695.84 for the renewal. The City is
continuing to take a long term approach regarding the health of its employees by
continuing the current benefits including the Clinic. (Request on agenda for
continuation for the next 2 years).
Current plan 0727
Premium
City Cost Per
Deduction per
Employee per
Employee
Month
Paycheck
Employee Only
$888.98
$888.98
$0.00
Add] for Spouse
$1,294.88
$150.00
$528.41
Add] for Child(ren)
$861.96
$150.00
$328.60
Add] for Family
$1,941.87
$150.00
$827.02
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 7 of 14
Affordable Care Act
Premium
City Cost
Deduction per
required option
$79,300.00
Per Employee
Employee
05901
1201 Holiday Pay
per Month
Paycheck
Employee Only
$888.98
$888.98
$0.00
Add] for Spouse
$1,294.88
$150.00
$528.41
Add'I for Child(ren)
$861.96
$150.00
$328.60
Add] for Family
$1,941.87
$150.00
$827.02
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
E. A motion was made by Council Member _MC to approve Addendum No.
3 to the Contract for medical services with Treasure Coast Medical
Association, Inc. [as provided in Exhibit 9]; seconded by Council Member
WA
MDO-renewal for the TCMA Urgent Care. This is one thing we started three years ago. Four
years ago we were seeing at least a 15% increase of health costs per year. This is finally
showing the effects of the contract with the current increase only being 4.5%.
IR-kelly Adelberg and Aurora were available by Zoom.
DW -seem like this has worked extremely well.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
F. Update of EMS budgeted services (Exhibit 10).
MDO-request from last meeting. Asked to take another look at EMS based on our discussion
with OCunty. India and I sat together to make a little more easier to read and follow. What you
basically see is how you would see a budget for us. Weve updated the expesness from what
was actually adopted. We got a stronger quote from the med supervisors. The other items have
been pretty stratight forward. The budget is a little difficult to understand because you don't see
a revenue side.
We took a look at the county and they've provided us very detailed data. Pretty close with
budgets vs. revenues. I just wanted to give the data up front. The county also broke it out
between ALS/BLS. There are different rates for the different types of pay structure.
WA -are the transports part of the total calls. Yes
MDO-in addition to that, the 2019 data is emergency calls only. There are transport only calls
from Health Dept for hospital.
MC -if you go back to the first page, my question is we did not include ithe 7000 increase for
the personnel because they're now paramedics or for the school.
MDO-for neither one.
MC -the salaries are not correct then. Are we going to be discussing the county's tonight or are
we not?
WA -so a paramedic will not get paramedic pay.
MDO-whatever they are getting paid now is what they are going to get paid at the county.
WA -we need to clarify that.
MDO-when we talk about fire services, we will talk about that.
MC -so what we're saying is, this does not include a supplement for the paramedics. Why would
you not include that?
MDO-1 was just trying to be consistent with the County.
MC -so the county is not going to pay them for being paramedics.
MDO-its my understanding they will get paid what they are currently getting paid, we did add
two paramedics and its included.
MC -i did not understand the chart.
MDO-the breakout on the sheet below it is more representative of the numbers.
Potential EMS/Fire 2020 Budget as of June 30, 2020
Personnel Cost
Fire & EMS
Fire Only
1100 Executive Salaries
$79,300.00
$79,300.00
1200 Regular Salaries
$776,500.00
$681,500.00
1201 Holiday Pay
$30,136.00
$25,500.00
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 8 of 14
1300
Other Salary
$15,600.00
1400
Overtime
$56,600.00
1401
Overtime Pay/Annual & Sick
$77,900.00
1402
Dispatcher Overtime
$6,598.00
1501
Volunteer Pay
$18,000.00
1510
Longevity/Service Incentive
$250.00
1540
Career Education
$6,850.00
2100
FICA
$80,156.00
2200
Retirement
$210,080.00
2300
Life and Health Insurance
$182,900.00
2400
Workers Compensation
$59,050.00
Total
Personnel Costs:
$1,599,920.00
$15,600.00
$51,600.00
$65,900.00
$6,500.00
$18,000.00
$250.00
$3,600.00
$70,850.00
$190,900.00
$159,300.00
$51,550.00
$1,420,350.00
Staffing Changes: addition of two full time Paramedic positions $95,000.00, calculated using a base
rate of $47,500.00.
Supplies & Other Services
Fire & EMS
Fire Only
3100 Professional Services (MD)
$12,000.00
$7,800.00
3102 Prof Sery (Phys for SCBA)
$4,000.00
$3,500.00
3103 Wellness Program (gym)
$3,500.00
$3,000.00
4000 Travel and Per Diem
$2,000.00
$3,200.00
4100 Comm & Freight
$20,000.00
$20,000.00
4300 Utilities
$13,000.00
$13,000.00
4400 Rentals and Leases
$2,400.00
$2,400.00
4500 Insurance
$48,500.00
$37,252.00
4600 R&M Vehicles
$40,000.00
$30,000.00
4609 R&M Bldg & Equip
$40,000.00
$33,575.00 (possible software needed for EMS)
4700 Printing
$600.00
$600.00
4901 Education
$7,000.00
$11,000.00
4902 Public Educ & Fire Prev
$5,500.00
$4,500.00
4905 Training & Materials
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
4909 Miscellaneous
$500.00
$400.00
5100 Office Supplies
$3,000.00
$3,000.00
5200 Operating supply
$30,000.00
$13,000.00 (medical supplies)
5201 Fuel and Oil
$14,000.00
$14,000.00
5202 Operating Supplies (Tires)
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
5203 Uniforms/Patches
$9,500.00
$8,000.00
5400 Books, publications, etc
$4,000.00
$4,000.00
Total Supplies & Other Services
$269,500.00
$222,227.00
Grand Total for Department
$1,869,420.00
$1,642,577.00
BOCC Revenue and Expenses for EMS
Okeechobee County Fire Rescue EMS calls within the City Limits
Calendar Year Total
Calendar Total
Transports
2019
2020 Budget
EMS
Revenue
3600511
3285839
EMS
Personnel Expenses
2285996
2124635
EMS
Operating
689231
684718
EMS
Capital incl Debt pymnts
171304
373311
Fleet
Maintence Expenses
173205.81
179850.2
Totals Expenses w/Fleet
3319736.81
3362514.2
Okeechobee County Fire Rescue EMS calls within the City Limits
Calendar Year Total
Calendar Total
Transports
ALS ALS Level BLS Level
BLS Level
Gross Billing
Year Call
Level Billed Calls
Billed
Calls
2017 1244
907
702 351000.00 205
82000.00
433000.00
2018 1182
836
616 308000.00 220
88000.00
396000.00
2019 1228
848
658 348000.00 190
76000.00
424000.00
Payment Average: Medicaid BLS $136.00; Medicaid ALS $290.00
Payee Mix
Medicaid
Medicare Private Insurance
Self Pay
Percentage of calls
16.15
52.40 13.06
18.38
City DRAFT EMS Revenue Calculations Based Upon County Information and Data
Revenues
EMS Projected Billings
Professional Services ( collections @ 5% net) 18,836$ prof. cost
Total Fire / Medical Calls 1,244$ county trans
Actual Data from Okeechobee County 907$ 72.9%
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 9 of 14
Average Costs per Transport 477$ based on gross 433,000$ gross billings
Projected Net Billings TBD (Medicaid/Medicare/in 376.710$ 82%*
*based on data from county 357,875$ net rev. est
paid from medicaid/Medicare/insurance combined (16.15%,52.40%,13.06%respectively)
self pay excluded from collections (18.38%)
City DRAFT Capital Purchases
Capital Purchases per ambulance
Ambulance E-450 145,000$
Life packs 22,000$
Equipment 15,000$
Misc. 7,500$
Radio 8,000$
Both Units = 395,000
Summary of Data Presented and Cost Effects Due to Incorporation of EMS within City
Cost Comparisions Based on Raw Numbers
Overall Fire EMS Budget = 1,869,420$
Dispatch (costs remains for PD dispatch) 270,370$ actual
Estimate of Transports See Draft Revenue Calculation 357,875$ see net revenue
Remaining Budget Adjusted from actual (rollforward) 157,201$ based on typical year
Sum of Items = 785,446$
Net Effect of Implementation of EMS Services = 1,083,974$ (overall - above items)
If City were to provide EMS services, Residents would no longer pay County EMS Assessment =
$344,000
Summary of Costs and Potential Revenues based on Millage
Overall Budgeted w/ EMS Current Fire Budget
1,869,420$ 1,642,577$
1.0000 Mill = $292,000.00 Current Millage 7.6018
Change in Millage Effective Millage
Net EMS Addition = 226,843$ 0.7769 UP 8.3787
Transport Revenue Est. = (357,875)$ (1.2256) DOWN 7.1531
Effective "Assessment" Millage
County Asmt. No longer Paid = (344,000)$ (1.1781) DOWN 5.9750
Net Drop in Revenue based in Millage 1.6268
BJ-im sure you're conservative here, to me its just a wash out with transports and the assessment. The
1,083,974 expense. I don't know why we are discussing this because a year ago we don't have the
figures from the county. I think this is all premature. I understand you are being conservative, but you're
adding over a million to the budget.
DW -any other questions.
WA -1 have questions that I will be getting with the Admnistrator on and brin git back up at another time.
Thank you for the presentation.
DW -suggest you all meet with them one on one.
MDO-difficult to mix raw data with projections.
MC -i asked for this to be included so that we knew what we are talking about and what the possibilities
are and that's what we're looking for. I don't want to go down line item by line item, if we're going to be
running both services, some expenses will change. I think this is going to be real simple. Like finding
out our guys aren't going to be paid paramedic pay, but we're sending them to school for it.
DW -net drop in revenue based on millage. Can you explain the 1.6268. With the potential revenue and
savings to the citizens equals 1.6268.
MDO-the 344,000 is a true costs savings the citizens will see, it's a cost savings to the citizens.
DW -1 polan to schedule a meeting just to be sure I understand this correctly.
G. Discussion regarding Fire Services (Exhibit 11).
Letter of support from ECOK read into the record by Mayor Watford.
DW -you have an exhibit and what we tried to do is bring the discussion from the
joint workshop back to the council for consideration.
City/County Referendum Discussion
Stantec Assessment Proposal -the study. That is in regards to having the
contract amount be the amount the city residents will be assessed if they were
under the fire assessment and we've agreed that the study should include the
City. $8,750 is the City's cost to be included in the study. But I guess we are
not to the point to approve that, do we kind of agree to that?
MDO-we brought that item to the Council in January but it was decided not to
sign it, it is in my signing authority, but want the councils clear consensus.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 10 of 14
BJ -very important to do the study, either way we will get the information that
we want.
WA -I agree, I think we need to move forward if we are going to base our fee
on the fee schedule basis, I will feel it will bring down assessments across the
board. Why only the first year, not all five.
DW -I think that's Terry's wording, if we don't have the assessment we would
use what the county's assessment will be. Don't know how long it will take.
MC -yes
BK -yes
Consensus: move forward with study
• County to continue to utilize City Fire Station. DW-depneds on if we want to
allow them to use it. Original proposal was to allow to use for storage. They
may want to use the whole facility much like it is used today, to house
employees and answer calls. Do we want to allow them to do that. Do we
expect reimbursement for costs.
MDo-yes or no, if it's a yes, I'll work that out. How long?
WA -good with it
BJ, BK, MC-ok
DW -assume want to use it until that time they build a new building.
Consensus: use it.
• City to continue to pay for any employees to be paramedics (all those that
transferring and leaving). DW -the problem is a couple of the employees are
not paramedics but may be crossing over. If they go to the County, the city
would pay the cost.
MC -if its in the 7 that they need to provide services for the city, and those 7
have not had the opportunity, I don't have a problem. We are paying for 6
now. If the county has openings and they choose to hire our people, then why
would we continue to pay for paramedics.
DW -they're not going to hire him if he's not paramedic. Union side,
Lieutenants not paramedics and transfer to county, they need it.
MC -if they are filling a position, it should be a county employee not a city cost.
DW -the city would pay for the paramedic training with the exception of
employees that are hired as EMT's only. What we are tyring to do is protect
our employees. They're not going to hire them if they're not paramedics.
MC -the only ones that are not in -the program are the ones who chose not to
participate or they're brand new. I think we've made the offer, if they're part of
the 7 1 don't mind, if not, I don't want to be paying.
BK -if I can just add, recollection of the council approved to pay for up to 10,
and that covers the Fire Departrnent. Just throwing that out there, we have
already approved to pay for 10 paramedics.
WA -so you are saying you would be willing to pay for 4 more to get to the 10.
BK -we previously approved to pay for 10.
MDo-we have 6, the county will hire 7, inspector will be required.
DW -consensus -do we want to pay for paramedic training.
WA -we were also talking about paying for the additional people until attrition.
If we were going to pay for the additional over the 7, then I would say we
would have to pay up to the total of 10.
BJ -don't have a problem with it.
MC -that's fine
Consensus -yes pay
Establish more detailed performance metrics once program and data can be
assessed and presented. DW -current computer programs could not track
accurately. Metrics are being recalculated to provide assessment reports.
City to cover salaries and benefits for other employees transferred above the
seven anticipated. DW -I think we wanted to make our employees whole, make
sure they were covered. What the task force worked out is some of the employees
may not want to go or not go, we may have other options. But our theory was, we
would cover the salaries until attrition. At some point, we would not be paying for
anyone's salary, but until it took place, we would cover the salary for that
employee.
MC -it doesn't say anything on here about attrition.
DW -it may be they have 3 leave after this takes place
Consensus -agreeable to pay
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 11 of 14
DW -what do we want to offer employees in DROP. We need to decide if we are
going to do a buyout.
WA -I would consider it, but do they want it and what would the cost be?
DW -a lot involved in that. If they're in drop and have 4 years left, we'd offer them
a package. If they're interested.
Pension Discussion and Options
• If not vested, pay out or IRA rollover
• Those vested — Can keep Pension at City and begin new with FRS -or-
Continue paying into City Pension
MDO-spoken with the County, if they weren't vested, they'd get their payout
and roll-out to an IRA. For those that are vested, there are other options.
When we get further into this, they will be made whole and continue their
pension, and pay into the pension here.
DW -they will be given the option to keep their city pension or go with the
County.
MC -how can they do that if they're not a city employee.
MDO-county will pay. They will all have to do, not just some.
DW -no they should have a choice. They don't all have to do the same thing.
MDO-if they're not vested.
DW -those that are vested have the option.
MDO-get back to scott Christiansen because it's the way the pension
operates.
WA -I think they should have that choice if they can.
BJ -1 think it would be to their benE;fit because they could have two retirements.
DW -yes
MC -the problem is the amount of years to be vested in the FRS
Union Items -DW we have no control over this.
MDO-can you give me a stance if it's a union item
JF -don't think it would be a good idea to discuss that right now.
DW -before we get into the last item, does anybody have anything else that they
see we need to discuss or something we missed. Id like to thank BOCC, County
Staff and City Staff, we came out with some new compromises.
MC -salary should be a part of union negotiations. They should go in making what
they're making here. The new hired paramedics will be making more than what
our existing employees are making. I think the existing employees should be
supplemented for the training. Level 3, there are 5 FF's that are under level 3.
MDO-again, its an idea for me, pay they get now plus a stipend/supplement.
DW -our goal was to make sure our employees did not lose any income. The
reason that worked because the county has in their union contract that they could
hire an employee up to step 3, to go above that step is probably going to do an
amendment.
MDO-possibility or county may have to negotiate.
MC -that's going to play into their steps then because they'd all be at step 3, but
if you have someone at 13 years experience going in as a step 3, but county level
will be step 7.
DW-MDO will get us that information. The County has this on their agenda. We
have to wait for them. They may not agree.
• Items are pending County Union approval, however we should state intent to
prepare more detail and numbers.
• Seniority - Sick and Vacation Accrual / Balances to be transferred
• Rank
• Probationary Period
This memorandum provides a brief overview of the legal/procedural options
available to effectuate the transfer of fire services to Okeechobee County.
Florida's constitution provides that transfer of functions to another local
government may occur after approval by vote of the electors of both local
governments, or as otherwise provided by law. Florida Statutes allows a county
to merge services such as fire protection subject to consent by ordinance of the
affected municipality.
Some municipalities have opted to hold a referendum (as set forth in the
Constitution) all other municipalities have adopted an ordinance authorizing an
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 12 of 14
interlocal agreement in reliance on municipal home rule powers as well as Florida
Statutes sections 166.021 and 125.01(q). The pertinent provisions are provided
below.
Florida Constitution
SECTION 4. Transfer of powers. --By law or by resolution of the governing
bodies of each of the governments affected, any function or power of a county,
municipality or special district may be transferred to or contracted to be performed
by another county, municipality or special district, after approval by vote of the
electors of the transferor and approval by vote of the electors of the transferee,
or as otherwise provided by law.
Florida Statutes 125.01 County Powers and duties.—
(1) The legislative and governing body of a county shall have the power to carry
on county government. To the extent not inconsistent with general or special law,
this power includes, but is not restricted to, the power to: June 26, 2020 Page 2
of 2
(q) Establish, and subsequently merge or abolish those created hereunder,
municipal service taxing or benefit units for any part or all of the
unincorporated area of the county, within which may be provided fire
protection; law enforcement; beach erosion control; recreation service and
facilities; water; alternative water supplies, including, but not limited to, reclaimed
water and water from aquifer storage and recovery and desalination systems;
streets; sidewalks; street lighting; garbage and trash collection and disposal;
waste and sewage collection and disposal; drainage; transportation; indigent
health care services; mental health care services; and other essential facilities
and municipal services from funds derived from service charges, special
assessments, or taxes within such unit only. Subject to the consent by
ordinance of the governing body of the affected municipality given either
annually or for a term of years, the boundaries of a municipal service taxing or
benefit unit may include all or part of the boundaries of a municipality. If ad
valorem taxes are levied to provide essential facilities and municipal services
within the unit, the millage levied on any parcel of property for municipal purposes
by all municipal service taxing units and the municipality may not exceed 10 mills.
This paragraph authorizes all counties to levy additional taxes, within the limits
fixed for municipal purposes, within such municipal service taxing units under the
authority of the second sentence of s. 9(b), Art. VII of the State Constitution.
166.021 Municipal Powers.—
(1) As provided in s. 2(b), Art. VIII of the State Constitution, municipalities shall
have the governmental, corporate, and proprietary powers to enable them to
conduct municipal government, perform municipal functions, and render
municipal services, and may exercise any power for municipal purposes, except
when expressly prohibited by law.
(2) "Municipal purpose" means any activity or power which may be exercised by
the state or its political subdivisions.
(3) The Legislature recognizes that pursuant to the grant of power set forth in s.
2(b), Art. VIII of the State Constitution, the legislative body of each municipality
has the power to enact legislation concerning any subject matter upon which the
state Legislature may act.
JF -bottom line is we both agree there is some discretion, dual referendum or ILA.
I can point to probably 5 or 6 intancE)s where fire services were transferred with
an ILA, strictly from a legal standpoint, not from public perception or politicial.
Completely legal is a dual referendum, if you direct me to do this in other means,
it can be done.
DW -I guess this is a matter of risk
JF -zero risk is a dual referendum frorn a legal standpoint
DW -the problem is if someone were to challenge that, than there's a court case.
County Attorney felt confident he could defend an ILA, but it would entail that
procedure. So the question we need' to answer, and the county will discuss, do
we want to do it via ILA or dual referendum. We were told that we have until
August to have this put on the ballot.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 13 of 14
MDO-referendum may different than what was discussed in the past. Binding
referendum, County and City would have to accept. This is not a straw poll.
DW -take risk and do ILA, or referendum
Consensus: leaning toward ILA
BJ -yes take risk
MC -how would you word the referendum if we can't give people facts. How would
you write it up?
JF -writing the referendum would be very straight forward. You are referring to
public education.
DW -the consensus is not to do a referendum.
Public comments: Noel Chandler-ive heard a whole lot since the workshop and
especially tonight. I did a little homework back in 1987 we went through this one
time before. Basically the city wanted to pay the county, the county had 44 articles
to read, they read two and the county said no they'd lose money. Redundancy
started with OSHA, City or County couldn't comply so there was a mutual aid. Its
not redundancy for an ambulance to show up. The county tax, I haven't found it
yet, but I'm going to find out when the County imposed a millage on the City. Its
8 mills, we are at 7.6018 in the City, we are paying almost 16 mills, its suggested
to take the county's assessment, $725k and $344K take it.1,069,000.00.
Franshise Fees-[ don't agree with that, they don't come into the City because
they have to pay county taxes. I understand our permitting is going up and
businesses are expanding in the city. We do need EMS, we have FF's trained,
the demographics are different now, did not have the resources to draw from.
Pay taxes in both City and County, because we use county roads, my
understanding the gas tax pays for the roads. One more thing, what about the
train station, are they going to quit coming. I would like to see us keep what we
got because we can make money there.
VIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS
WA -none
BJ -congratulated Wes, our Attorney has been appointed to the Palm Beach County Food Bank
Board.
BK -none
MC -none
DW -none
IX. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at
P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2020, at 6:00 P.M.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 14 of 14
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
JULY
712020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY LANE GAMIOTEA
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to
order on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at ( P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 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. 20-150 effective June 23, 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 video, audio, and digital comments were recorded and
retained as a permanent record.
The inJocation was offered by-}(:(�l�ct
The Pledge of Allegiance, was led by
II. ATTENDANCE:
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
0_
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred,
or withdrawn;
B. ouncil Member moved to aaprove the agenda as
presente0%amended; seconded by Council Member
Mayor Watford Co�
d/uncil Members Abne�, Clark k/, Jarr:e:
Keefe '\/ Motio drieDenied.
C. There were___r!E - agenda item forms--oc-cotnmerrt.ca.rds submitted for public
participation for any issues not on the agenda.
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 1 of 13
atU
IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 0_ttC Pt.k_)TJ A-)
A. On behalf of the City, Mayor Watford 'p—resented Mr. Marvin Roberts with a Longevity
Service Award of $250.00 and_a framed certificate which read "In recognition of
your 20 -years of service, hard work, and dedication to the City, its citizens, and
your fellow employees from July 7, 2000 through July 7, 2020."
1 L11N�
! vlcti2tatM w -c� �3 i r �-. COI. Q d5 _- -Liu
Ru L'Z OW e ti . liYtl� AGCt�( VLc
B. Calling the 2020 City General Election, Mayor Watford read the following
Proclamation in its entirety for the record: "Whereas, under and by virtue of the
provisions of the Charter, Elections Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances for
the City of Okeechobee, and Florida State Laws, it is the duty of the Mayor to
proclaim and call General City Elections at the time and manner provided
therein; and Whereas,rociaimin General CiV Elections shall be issued bv a
Proclamation, at feast 90 days prior to the date of holding of such election,
signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk; and Whereas, such
Proclamation shall specify the office or offices to be filled, the cause of the
vacancy of such office or offices, and the date of the expiration of the terms of
such office or offices; and Whereas, the City Clerk shall publish the
Proclamation in the local newspaper at least twice, once being in the fifth week,
and once being in the third week, prior to the week in which the General City
Election will be held: Now, Therefore, I, Dowling-R:-1NatTord, Jr., Mayor of the
._Uity of Okeechobee, Florida do hereby proclaim and declare that a General City
lection is to be held by the duly qualified electors of the City of Okeechobee,
Florida, for the purpose of electing the following officers to serve as such, for
four years, beginning January 4, 2021, and ending January 6, 2025, following
such election or until their successors are elected and qualified: Two (2) City
Council Members. Said General Election shall be held on November 3, 2020,
during the regular hours of voting, to wit: from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; to be
held in the County polling or voting places within the Municipal Precinct(s),
which have been established by the Supervisor of Elections and-'goard of
Oounty Commissioners for Okeechobee County; and during the Early Voting
eriod as provided by State Law, to be held from October 19, through 31, 2020;
or Vote -by -Mail as -provided by State -Law. In Testimony and Witness of the
foregoing Notice of General City Election, I have hereunto set my hand as
Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, and caused the corporate seal of
said City to be affixed, and attested to by the City Clerk, this 7t" day of July,
2020." a
V. ONSENT AGENDA
A moti-, was made by Council Member' to approve the consent agenda items
A thro jIgHJ [June 16, 2020, Regular meeting minutes; Disposal of obsolete and surplus--
equipment:
urplusequipment: 1970 Ford T-2 Water Truck, 1997 Ford F-250 Truck, Back Rack for 2011
Chevrolet Silverado, Bard Air Conditioning Unit, HP Pavilion Slimline computer, Sharp
Carousel microwave, Dual Cassette Recorder, three black vertical filing cabinets, unclaimed
computer equipment, and miscellaneous unused office supplies (as provided in Exhibit 1);
Purchase of Opticom Preemption Kits for Fire Department vehicles (as provided in Exhibit
2)]; seconded by Council Member
�,�—
Mayor Watford Council Members Abney Clark Y Jarriel ;1 ,
Keefe . Motio_ ____a r eco/Denied.
31g -
►C_
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 2 of 13
VI. AYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING ATP.�(� ph(c i
A. �' A motion was made by Council Member o 1)'' to -ad pr�o�posed.,
Ordinance No. 1211, amending the Sunday sale time and to allow for package
sales of alcoholic beverages (as= -provided in Exhibit 3); seconded by Council --
Member h e - -Q C,�,l
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1211 by title only as follows- "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION 6-1—
OF CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR THE SALE OF z
ALCOHOL INCLUDING PACKAGE SALES WITHIN THE CITY AT CERTAIN TIMES=
EVERY DAY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
1 1rYI M 0AA -< `
t
Ma ol� � Watford !'`, ,
Council Members Abney
Keefe' , Motio,r-Carried/Denied. r JarrieIZ,
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 3 of 13
B. A motion was made by Coun i.l Member F� 7) and seconded by Council
(rL_t �Member to proposed Ordinance No. 1213 by title only,
hegarding 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 Southwest
(SW) 7th Avenue (Ave) from Residential Multiple Family (RMF) to Industrial
(IND) [as provided in Exhibit 4; 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 ROW, since abandoned, and of North Curve Street
(ST), since abandoned, as shown on Plat of FIRST ADDITION TO OKEECHOBEE, FL, as recorded -
n PB 5, PG 6, of the public records of Okeechobee County, FL, and being more particularly described
s follows: Commence at the intersection of the North ROW line of SW 6th ST with the West ROW of
W 7th AVE; thence North 00°08'53" West along the West ROW line of said SW 7th AVE, a distance
A 76.17 -feet (FT) to the point of beginning (POB); thence South 89049'42" West, a distance of 199.99-
T 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 89047'29" East along said Westerly extension, a distance of 60.00 -FT to the NW
corner of SW 4th ST; Thence South 00°08'48" East along the West ROW line of SW 4th 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 00008'53" East along the West ROW line
of said SW 7th AVE, a distance of 23.65 -FT to the POB].
Attorney Fumero--read proposed Ordinance No. 1213 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL
ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF
LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM RMF TO INDZONING
DISTRICT (PETITION NO. 20-001-R); AMENDING THE ZONING MAP'ACCORDINGLY;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY: AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
City Planning Consultant -Mr. Be"rT- th-of LaRue Planning and Managemen Services explained Planning
Staff, as well as the Planning Board, recommend denial based on the Staff findings: the property to the North _
of these parcels is Industrial but the remainder of the surrounding properties hold residential designations on
the City's FLU and Zoning Maps. While much of the directly adjacent land is vacant, there exists one single _ _
family residence and a preschool across Southwest 7th Avenue from these parcels. Other single-family
residences exist nearby, and a new multi -family apartment project has been approved nearby as well.
The Applicant currently owns and operates a 1.6 -acre industrial site to the North of the subject parcel, which
is one of only a few industrial properties South of Park Street in the City. The property to the immediate North
of the subject parcels is designated I on the FLUM and zoned IND with the use being the existing industrial
business. The property to the East is designated SF Residential on the FLUM and zoned RMF with the use --
being that of a single-family home and vacant parcels. The property to the South is designated MF Residential
on the FLUM and zoned RMF with the use being A Child's World Child Care and Preschool. The property to
the West is designated MF Residential on the FLUM and zoned RMF with the parcels being vacant. Plans
have been submitted for uture development of a residential apartment complex to be known as Emerald
Greens
Approval of the request is not likely to create a density pattern that will overburden facilities. The proposed
use will not impact traffic congestion as this is already a heavily traveled street with adequate capacity for
additional traffic. Drainage issues would be considered at time of site plan review. The proposed use has not
been inordinately burdened by any unnecessary restrictions.
There were 16 surrounding property owners notified, two signs wereposted on the
property, the proposed Ordinance was properly advertised in the local newspaper,
and one objection has been received to date by Mrs. Linda Knisely of 601 Southwest
4th Street
Mayor Watford , -, Council Members Abney `i' , Clark , Jarriel 'y
Keefe 4 . Motion Carrie_d/Denied.
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 4 of 13
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C. A motion was made by CounC I Member A- � and seconded by Council
Member to ate# 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-FTAQAhe 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, 1ying'-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 00001'50" 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 90000'00" West, a distance of 34.64 -FT to the Point of
Terminus]. `, ; \� t'�_ `_ L . w� [
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 SEVERABI IT ;AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Planning Staff findings are as follows: The curs nt zoning of RMF is not appropriate for the Commercial FLU
designation. However, Policy 2.2 of the FLU element specifically lists the CBD Zoning district as appropriate
in the Commercial FLU. Medical office is specifically listed as a permitted use in the CBD Zoning District. The
proposed use has been providing medical services to the community for many years and does not have an
adverse impact on the public interest. The subject property is separated one block from East North Park Street
(State Road 7Q_ East), a municipal park area and is within the business area of downtown Okeechobee. The
property to the immediate North of the subject parcels is designated Public Facilities on the FLUM and zoned
Public Facilities with the use being that of a park. The property to the East is designated Commercial on the
FLUM and zoned CBD with the use being that of the Visiting Nurse Association. The property to the South is
designated Commercial on the FLUM and zoned Commercial Professional Offic _(CPO) with the use being
The Grand Oaks Assisted Living Facility. The property to the West is designated Commercial on the FLUM
and zoned CBD and Light Commercial (CLT) with the parcels being occupied by a retail strip center. No
adverse effects are expected with the continued medical office use. The proposed medical use should not
cause any nuisances or hazards that would require buffering from the adjacent land uses. The applicant is not
proposing any changes in the current use that would increase demand for public utilities or public safety. The
proposed use has not been inordinately burdened by unnecessary restrictions.
Therelwere 14 surrounding property owners notified, two signs were posted on the
property, the proposed Ordinance was properly advertised in the local newspaper,
and no objections or correspondences have been received to date.
k
r1
Mayor Watford Council Members Abney Clark if ,
Keefe_. Motion Carried/Denied.
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 5 of 13
Jarriel Y� ,
MA
WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC
vil.
YOR
NEW BUSINESS
���Lxegarding
Update to T iffany-b—oll—ins, —Florida Department of Health Okeechobee County,
COVID-1
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A. "Sor"N' I Ko an
L. Garniotea Handwritten Minutes Page of 13
I
B. Request by Okeechobee Main Street to install two 4 -foot by 8 -foot signs in Park No.5
[PARK of FLAGLER PARK, TOWN OF OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book 1, Page 10
Okeechobee County public records] (for the Cattle Drive Sculpture Project for
approximately one year and. waive any applicable sign permit fees [as provided in
Exhibit 6].
MOTION: "'';' �`� ; 2ND:
V
L'c
�`,�t
Okeechobee Main Street Arts &Cultural Alliance's Cattle Drive Project is in progress with
—t ie goal for installation in 202r1-7PTace "Future Flome Of' signs in Park # 5 so the community
is aware where the sculpture will be and to show that the project continues to move forward.
One sign will face North Park Street (State Road 70 West) and the other towards South
Park Street. The signs will be .constructed to withstand the elements and aesthetically
pleasing to the Park landscape. Sign conceptual layout, construction material and location
were included on the documents within Exhibit 6.
_I A rA a 1., , t
Cs�R IROS IA .
,i
Mayor . WatfordV,.,--Council Members Abney Clark , Jarriel�,
Keefe . Motioh"Carried/Denied.
C. A motion was made by Council Member �to rescind the designation
of Fire Engine 5 as surplus and its donation to St. James -Lanark Volunteer Fire
Department and transfer the Engine to the Public Works Department to replace
the T-2 Water Truck [as provided in Exhibit 71; seconded by Council Member
The Council approved the donation of Fire Engine 5 to the St. James -Lanark Volunteer Fire
Department at the April 16, 2019 meeting.
1
Mayor . Watford Council Members Abney " Clark 'it , Jarri I x
Keefe . Motion arried/Denied. ` -- - - -
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 7 of 13
D. A motion was made by Council Member to approve the renewal of
Public Risk Management (PRM), Inc., Group Health Trust for the Health
Insurance Policy Plan No. PPO 0727 (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) [as provided in
Exhibit 8]; seconded by Council Member
The City's current premium structure for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan 0727: Employee Only
$850.70; Employee and Spouse $2,123.81; Employee and child(ren) $1,698.25; Employee
Family $2,708.95. The City's' claim experience has significantly improved from the prior
three to five years. The medical claims this year did not include any large claims (i.e.
$150,000 or more) whiff -can severely impact an entity our size. The PRM Group has an
overall increase of 5.5%, with the application of City's claims experience rating the City's
increase in premium being presented is _4.5%o increase, The fiscal impact based on the
number of employees equates to a $31,695.84 for the renewal. The City is continuing to
take a long term approach regarding the health of its employees by continuing the current
benefits including the Clinic. (Request on agenda for continuation far -fie next 2 years).
Current plan 0727
Employee Only
Add'I for Spouse
Add] for Child(ren)
Add'I for Family
Affordable Care Act
required option
05901
Employee Only
Add] for Spouse
Add] for Child(ren)
Add] for Family
Premium
City Cost Per
Employee per
Month
$888.98
$888.98
$1,294.88
$150.00
$861.96
$150.00
$1,941.87
$150.00
Premium
City Cost
Per Employee
per Month
$888.98
$888.98
$1,294.88
$150.00
$861.96$150.00
$1,941.87 v
$150.00
Deduction peter _FU '-
Employee fang
-Paycheck
$0.00 dfac. &
$528.41
$328.60
$827.02
Deduction per
Employee
Paycheck
$0.00
$528.41
$328 60.
$827.02
it Members Abney ` , Clark Jarriel ,
ied.
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 8 of 13
4 EE. A s
motion was made by Council Member 1 J ? to approve Addendum No.
3 to the Contract for medical service—with Treasure_ Coast Medical
AfsocKat on, Inc. [as provided in Exhibit 9]; seconded by Council Member
7
Mayor Watford Council Members Abney lark, Jarriel l/ ,
Keefe . Motion'Carried/Denied.
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 9 of 13
F. Update of EMS budgeted services (Exhibit 10).
Potential EMS/Fire 2020 Budget as of June 30, 2020
Personnel Cost
Fire & EMS
1100 Executive Salaries
$79,300.0
1200 Regular Salaries
$776,500.00
1201 Holiday Pay
$30,136.00
1300 Other Salary
$15,600.00
1400 Overtime
$56,600.00
1401 Overtime Pay/Annual & Sick
$77,900.00
1402 Dispatcher Overtime
$6,598.00
1501 Volunteer Pay
$18,000.00
1510 Longevity/Service Incentive
$250.00
1540 Career Education.__
$6,850.00
2100 FICA
$80,156.00
2200 Retirement
$210,080.00
2300 Life and Health Insurance
$182,900.00
2400 Workers Compensation
$59,050.00
Total Personnel Costs:
$1,599,920.00
Fire Only
$79,300.00
$681,500.00,---
$25,500.00
681,500.00 $25,500.00
$15,600.00
$51,600.00
$65,900.00
$6,500.00
$18,000.00
$250.00
$3,600.00
$70,850.00
$190,900.00 4-
$159,300.00
$51,550.00 - - - -
$1,420,350.00
Staffing Changes: addition of two full time Paramedic positions $95,000.00, calculated using a base
rate of $47,500.00.
Supplies & Other Services
Fire & EMS
Fire Only (�l\ i`Lffl-6-
3100 Professional Services (MD)
$12,000.00
$7,800.00 c"
3102 Prof Sery (Phys for SCBA)
$4,000.00
$3,500.00 ti
3103 Wellness Program (gym)
$3,500.00
$3,000.00
4000 Travel and Per Diem
$2,000.00
$3,200.00 --- - - "---- - -_� -�
4100 Comm & Freight
$20,000.00
$20,000.00
4300 Utilities -
$13,000.00
$13,000.00
4400 Rentals and Leases
$2,400.00
$2,400.00
4500 Insurance --
$48,500.00
$37,252.00
4600 R&M Vehicles
$40,000.00
$30,000.00
4609 R&M Bldg & Equip
$40,000.00
$33,575.00 (possible software needed for
EMS)
424000.00
Payment Average:
4700 Printing
$600.00
$600.00
4901 Education
$7,000.00
$11,000.00
4902 Public Educ & Fire Prev
$5,500.00
$4,500.00
4905 Training & Materials
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
4909 Miscellaneous
$500.00
$400.00 -
5100 Office Supplies
$3,000.00
$3,000.00
5200 Operating supply
$30,000.00
$13,000.00 (medical supplies)
5201 Fuel and Oil
$14,000.00
$14,000.00
5202 Operating Supplies (Tires)
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
5203 Uniforms/Patches
$9,500.00
$8,000.00
5400 Books, publications, etc
$4,000.00
$4,000.00
Total Supplies & Other Services
$269,500.00
$222,227.00
Grand Total for Department
$1,869,420.00
$1,642,577.00 --T
BOCC Revenue and Expenses for EMS Ca l>i _,-v
2020
2019~
Budget t-c�
EMS Revenue
3600511
3285839
EMS Personnel Expenses
2285996
2124635
EMS Operating
689231
684718
EMS Capital incl Debt payments
171304
373311
Fleet Maintenance Expenses
173205.81
179850.2
Totals Expenses w/Fleet
3319736.81
3362514.2
Okee hobee County Fire Rescue EMS calls within the City Limits
Calendar Total
Transports— ALS
ALS Level BLS Level
BLS Level
Gross Billing
Year Call
Gky� o'a
Level
Billed Calls
Billed
��
Calls
2017 1244
907
702
351000.00 205
82000.00
433000.00
2018 1182
836
616
308000.00 220
88000.00
396000.00
2019 1228
848
658
348000.00 190
76000.00
424000.00
Payment Average:
Medicaid BLS $136.00;
Medicaid ALS $290.00
Payee Mix
Medicaid
Medicare Private Insurance
Self Pay
Percentage of calls
16.15
52.40
13.06
- --4"8-
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 10 of 13
VIII.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
1L
IX. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting
at P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2020, at 6:00
P.M.
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 13 of 13