2020-07-07 Approved Minutes55
.OF• OKFF,Cy�
°m CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
r JULY 79 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
9 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, 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 and audio files were 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
Chambers.
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 Chambers.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added,
deferred, or withdrawn. Council Member Clark requested Consent Item C be
removed and discussed.
B. Council Member Jarriel moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by
Council Member Keefe.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
C. There were no agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public
participation for any issues not on the agenda.
IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. 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."
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.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 1 of 9
56
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS ITEM B CONTINUED: 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, 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 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 7th day of July, 2020."
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Clark to approve 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)]; seconded by Council Member
Keefe.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
Item C. Council Member Clark questioned the necessity of the purchase due to
the on-going negotiations with the County to provide the City fire services. After
a brief discussion, it was decided to proceed with the purchase as presented.
Council Member Clark moved to approve the [$21,280.00] purchase of
Opticom Preemption Kits [from Transportation Control Systems of Tampa] for
seven Fire Department vehicles [as provided in Exhibit 2]; seconded by
Council Member Jarriel.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:21 P.M.
A. A motion was made by Council Member Clark to read proposed Ordinance
No. 1211 by title only, amending the Sunday sale time and to allow for
package sales of alcoholic beverages [as provided in Exhibit 3]; seconded by
Council Member Keefe.
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 Clark moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1211;
seconded by Council Member Abney.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 2 of 9
57
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM A CONTINUED: Mayor Watford opened the floor for
public comments; there was none. He then stated his opinion that the adoption
of Ordinance No. 1211 will put the City out of step with County regulations, and
that he is opposed to the sale of alcohol before 1:00 P.M. on Sundays.
VOTE: Ayes -Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
Mayor Watford. Motion Carried.
B. 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 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 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 00008'53" West along the West ROW line of said SW 7h
AVE, a distance of 76.17 -feet (FT) to the point of beginning (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 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 4th ST; thence
North 8904729" 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 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 2736'08 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].
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 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 adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1213;
seconded by Council Member Keefe.
Mayor Watford asked the Council to disclose any ex -parte communication.
Attorney Fumero elaborated this is a quasi-judicial item requiring the disclosure
of any discussion, correspondence, or independent effort to view the property.
Council Member Clark disclosed she had a discussion with the applicant's real
estate agent Mr. Jim Fowler, and with Planning Board Members Dawn Hoover
and Rick Chartier. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney and Jarriel disclosed
they had conversations with the applicant's agent, Mr. Steve Dobbs. Council
Member Keefe disclosed he had a conversation with Mr. Dobbs, researched
information on the property, and met with the property owner at the site.
The Planning Staff and Planning Board recommend denial based on the following
Staff findings: 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 South Park Street in the City.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 3 of 9
m•
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM B CONTINUED: 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. Plans have been submitted for future
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 were posted 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
At the June 16, 2020, meeting Comprehensive FLUM Amendment No. 20 -002 -
SSA was adopted by Ordinance No. 1213 amending the FLU to IND. The Council
noted their findings for overturning the Planning Board's recommendation as
follows: the Petition was 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.
VOTE: Ayes -Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
Mayor Watford. Motion Carried.
C. A motion was made by Council Member Jarriel and seconded by Council
Member Keefe 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 00001'50" West, a
distance of 142.50 -FT; thence South 90000'00" 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].
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."
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 4 of 9
RAM
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM C CONTINUED: A motion to adopt proposed
Ordinance No. 1214 was made by Council Member Clark and seconded by
Council Member Jarriel.
Mayor Watford asked the Council to disclose any ex -parte communication; there
were no disclosures made. He also opened the floor for public comment; there
was none.
Planning Staff findings are as follows: The current 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 70 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 Office (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.
There were 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.
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.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. An update was provided on COVID-19 by Mrs. Tiffany Collins, Administrator of
the Okeechobee County Florida Department of Health (DOH). The State of
Florida is currently still in Phase 2 as issued by Executive Order No. 20-139. The
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and DOH continue to encourage social
distancing, large social gathering limitations, and hand washing. The primary
focus of the DOH is to continue contact tracing investigations, and prioritize
testing individuals considered to be high-risk such as those hospitalized, health
care workers, first responders, long term care facility residents or employees,
congregate settings, correctional and juvenile facilities, homeless shelters,
individuals with symptoms who are over the age of 65, have a severe disease, or
who are pregnant. The DOH created a self -investigation tool that explains what
steps individuals should take when testing positive for COVID-19.
There have been approximately 55,000 masks distributed to over 70,000
agencies and businesses in Okeechobee County, with approximately 12,000
more to distribute. Should an agency like to be included as a distribution point,
contact Mr. Todd Hardacre at 863-462-5805 to set up a time for delivery. The
testing sites available in Okeechobee County are: CVS Pharmacy through the
drive-thru; the Florida Community Health Centers, and Treasure Coast Medical
Association (TCMA) Urgent Care Clinic. The DOH is offering free high-risk
testing.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 5 of 9
•1
NEW BUSINESS ITEM A CONTINUED: On July 1, 2020, the DOH received
$139,000,000.00 at the State level in CARES dollars to fund ongoing operations,
and to contract positions such as Licenses Practical Nurses and Contact Tracers.
Mrs. Collins has requested volunteers from the community to assist in the call
center, as there has been a considerable increase in daily calls. The Call Center
will have to be closed should a consistent volunteer schedule not be fulfilled. For
those interested in volunteering, the schedule is Monday through Friday from
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. On July 6, 2020, the DOH Incident Management Team
from Region 6 out of Charlotte County came on-site at the Okeechobee Health
Care Facility and the TrueCore Department of Juvenile Justice Facility to perform
testing on residents, employees, and some family members, due to an increase
of exposure to COVID-19. Once the results are received, the DOH will move
forward with isolation protocols, if necessary. The DOH has also been aware of
individuals having COVID-19 quarantine parties with the purpose of exposing
individuals to those who have tested positive.
As of today, Okeechobee County has 451 confirmed cases of COVID-19 ranging
in age from zero to 93 years old, has tested 4,106 individuals resulting in a 10.8
percent positivity rate, and has no deaths. The State of Florida has over 213,794
confirmed positive cases with over 16,000 hospitalized and over 3,800 deaths,
calculating an overall death rate of 1.82 percent. Florida is currently the ranked
number three in the United States in positive cases, behind New York and
California. There have been 149 anti -body testing administered in Okeechobee,
with five confirmed positive cases resulting in a 3.3 percent positivity rate. It was
explained that research has shown there is a high false negativity rate for
antibody testing, meaning of those 149 tested there could be more positive
results. Mayor Watford and Council Member Clark questioned the protocol for
testing individuals who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19. Mrs.
Collins explained that due to back-ups in labs, and the shortage of staff, the DOH
is currently only testing symptomatic individuals. It is currently taking
approximately eight to 11 days to get tests results back. Council Member Abney
asked whether the number tested reflects those tested at blood banks. Mrs. Collis
explained antigen testing performed at blood banks is included, anti -body testing
is not. The Council thanked Mrs. Collins for the update. No official action was
required.
B. Ms. Kathy Scott, Vice Director of Okeechobee Main Street (OKMS) Arts &
Cultural Alliance Committee explained the goal to install the Cattle Drive
Sculpture Project is in 2021. She made a request to place "Future Home Of" signs
in Park No. 5 (Park L, of FLAGLER PARK) to bring community awareness of the
Project and its placement as it continues to move forward. One sign will face West
North Park Street (State Road 70 West) and the other towards West South Park
Street. The signs will be constructed to withstand the elements and aesthetically
pleasing to the Park landscape. She then distributed a copy of the conceptual
layout and wording of the signs, which included the type of construction material
and location. Donations for the project can be made online or at OKMS' office.
Mayor Watford read a letter of support submitted by Mrs. Jennifer Tewksbury,
Executive Director of the Economic Council of Okeechobee (ECOK), as follows:
"The ECOK fully supports Okeechobee Main Street's Arts and Cultural Alliance's
request to install temporary signage in Downtown Flagler Park No. 5 to continue
fundraising and gathering community support for the Cattle Drive Sculpture
Project. This art installation Main Street has taken the lead on will contribute
greatly to our downtown area and will be an impressive attraction to draw visitors
to the City."
A Motion was made by Council Member Jarriel to approve a request by
OKMS to install two 4 -foot by 8 -foot signs in Park No.5 [PARK L 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];
seconded by Council Member Keefe.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 6 of 9
61
C. A motion was made by Council Member Clark 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 Keefe.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
D. A motion was made by Council Member Abney 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 Clark.
A memorandum submitted by Finance Director Riedel explained the City's claim
experience has significantly improved from the prior three to five years, with no
large medical claims during the current policy year (i.e. $150,000 or more). The
PRM Group has an overall increase of 5.5 percent, but the application of the
City's claims experience rating resulted in a 4.5 percent increase. Based on the
number of employees, the fiscal impact equates to $31,695.84 overall increase
in premiums 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. The current Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan 0727 premium will increase
for employee only coverage from $850.70 to $888.98, employee and spouse from
$2,123.81 to $2,183.86, employee and child(ren) from $1,698.25 to $1,750.94,
and employee and family from $2,708.95 to $2,830.85.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
E. A motion was made by Council Member Clark to approve Addendum No. 3
to the Contract for medical services with TCMA [as provided in Exhibit 9];
seconded by Council Member Abney.
This is a two-year extension to the existing piggyback contract with Okeechobee
County, billed monthly in the amount of $2,571.00, plus lab fees and medication
costs billed quarterly at cost. Representatives of TCMA were in attendance via
Zoom.com for questions.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
F. Council Member Clark requested this item be placed on this agenda to compare
to the information provided by the County for the proposed Interlocal Agreement
(ILA) for Fire Services. Administrator MontesDeOca explained the content
included within Exhibit 10 provided detailed data received from the County to aid
in calculating projected revenues from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the
City. The personnel and supplies costs to provide both EMS and Fire Services is
estimated to increase the current budget by $226,843.00.
The County provided detailed call breakdowns, gross earnings and the sources
of revenue for the individual years of 2017 to 2019. It also included the average
Medicaid and Medicare payments for transports, as well as the breakdown of
payees by percentages. A draft of the capital improvement expenditures provided
for two E-450 Ambulances, Lifepaks, Equipment, miscellaneous items, and
radios totaling $395,000.00.
Based on the projections analyzed in detail, Administrator MontesDeOca and
Finance Director Riedel found the City could see a savings and further provided
how the millage rate could be reduced by approximately 1.6268 mills.
Council Member Jarriel was of the opinion that this discussion was premature.
Council Member Abney had questions but will meet with the Administrator and
Finance Director to discuss them. No action was taken on this item.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 7 of 9
A
G. The City and County held a Joint Workshop on June 25, 2020, to discuss items
of negotiation for the draft of an ILA for Fire Services provided by the County to
the City. The direction given at the Workshop was there were multiple issues to
address by each entity before costs could be further refined. Prior to discussing
the information provided in Exhibit 11, Mayor Watford read a letter received from
the ECOK into the record as follows: "The ECOK continues to support a contract
for fire rescue services between the City of Okeechobee and Okeechobee
County. As stated by Ms. Tori Fatjo, IAFF District 12 Representative at the May
19, 2020 City Council meeting, many other municipalities have recognized the
long-term economic benefits provided by an interlocal agreement of this nature.
Our small, fiscally constrained community cannot continue to ignore the cost
advantages and increased efficiencies available to us through basic economics
of scale. The proposed alternative to instead implement EMS Services in the City
is inherently the direct opposite of this widely understood economic principle.
Thank you for continuing to engage in this discussion and for being transparent
to the public in your decision-making."
The consensus of the Council was to participate in the County Fire
Assessment Study being performed by Stantec, which will cost an
estimated $8,750.00.
The County originally proposed to utilize City Fire Station One for equipment and
vehicle storage. They are now requesting to utilize the Station to run calls for
unknown period of time. After a brief discussion, the consensus of the Council
was to allow the County to use the building with the Administrator
negotiating the length of time and reimbursement of costs.
There was a brief discussion on the City paying for employees who are not
Paramedics. It was clarified and agreed the City will cover up to 10
Paramedic certifications.
The consensus of the Council was to cover the salaries and benefits of the
additional personnel transferring to the County in excess of the seven
positions needed until attrition takes place.
The discussion then turned to the potential buy-out of employees who have
entered the Deferred Retirement Option Plan. As this is a complicated matter, it
was suggested that the Administrator continue to research options and the
employees' interest. Additional discussion is needed with the Pension Attorney
to obtain the options that are allowed to be offered to vested and non -vested
members.
Council Member Clark questioned the difference in pay for City employees
transferring to the County. It is her opinion that employees should be transferred
making the same rate of pay, with an increase given upon receipt of their
Paramedic certification. Mayor Watford explained salary negotiations is part of
the Union, for which the County will have to determine whether they are willing to
open negotiations to address the salary discrepancies. Administrator
MontesDeOca was instructed to gather more information on this.
Attorney Fumero provided 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 authorizing an interlocal agreement in reliance on municipal
home rule powers as well as Florida Statutes sections 166.021 and 125.01(q). It
was his legal opinion that there was no legal risk with a dual referendum, as an
interlocal agreement can be challenged in court. After a brief discussion, the
consensus of the Council was to continue negotiations of an ILA.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 8 of 9
AN
NEW BUSINESS ITEM G CONTINUED: Mayor Watford opened the floor for
public comments. Mr. Noel Chandler addressed the Council by explaining he had
researched the last time the City wanted the County to provide Fire services,
which was in 1987. The County was presented with 44 articles to read, and
decided it would not be fiscally responsible to provide these services. He
continued by replying to a comment previously made regarding redundancy, as
it his opinion that was caused by OSHA regulations. The City or County could not
comply as individual agencies, so a mutual aid agreement was generated. He is
also researching when the County imposed taxing City residents. Lastly, he
explained when the item of implementing EMS services was presented in the
past, the City did not have the resources to draw from. The demographics are
different now. The City has invested in training the personnel, so utilize the assets
on hand.
The Commissioners will be discussing their items from the Workshop on July 9,
2020. The two Administrators will then begin working on costs to present at a
second Joint Workshop.
VIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Jarriel congratulated Council Member Abney on his engagement, and
Attorney Fumero on his appointment to the Board of the Palm Beach County Food Bank.
IX. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at
8:18 P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2020, at 6:00 P.M.
Dowling R. Watford; Jr.,'Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council
with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
City Clerk media are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk.
July 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 9 of 9