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2020-08-04 Handwritten MinutesCITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA AUGUST 4, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY LANE GAMIOTEA I. . CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday, August 4, 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. 20-179 effective July 29, 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 44�—'1-' The Pledge of Allegiance was led by - C 4 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 Carlyn Kowalsky City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca Police Chief Bob Peterson l Fire Chief Herb Smith Public Works Director David Allen Executive Assistant Robin Brock �- III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were ��any agenda items to be added, deferred or withdrawn; L X B. Council Member `7r moved to a , prove the agenda as pr-ese�t�d1a_mende,_dT_ �secorW. ed by. Council Member Mayor .. Watford ouncil Members Keefe Abney Clark Jarriel, . Motio arrie Denied. C. There were agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues not on the agenda. ' ��Cr Nl IV. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Council Member to approve the consent agenda items A through [July 21, 2020, Regular meeting minutes; Temporary Street Closing of Southwest V and 4th Avenues from 5:00 P.M. September 4 through 7, 2020, for the annual Okeechobee Main Street Labor Day Festival (as provided in Exhibit 1); Award Okeechobee Landscape Maintenance and Installation Bid No. PW 02-11-07-20 in the amount of $46,195.00 to JMC Landscaping Services, Inc. (as provided in Exhibit 2)]; seconded by Council Member Mayor.. Watford L{ _,_..-ouncil Members Abney L Clark , Jarriel Ll Keefe. Motio arried%benied. , ) l L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 1 of 7 V. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation of FLAGLER PARK Master Plan by the Economic Council of Okeechobee. Executive Summary: Over the course of the last 12 months, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County has worked with landscape professionals, many local stakeholder organizations and elected City officials in the development of the proposed redesign of our Flagler Parks. Through an all-encompassing redesign and renovation like what is broadly proposed in this package, our City has the opportunity to preserve cherished elements of our local history, celebrate our agricultural heritage, create a continuous and consistent sense of place, and truly begin to invest in over seven acres of priceless green space for the benefit of current and future generations. The intent of this initiative from the beginning has been to establish a unified vision for the future of our centrally -located Flagler Parks; a vision' which reflects our character as a community, is conducive to multiple types of downtown events, and which draws residents and visitors alike to the area. The following conceptual redesign does not address specific financial obligations, parties responsible for completion, or details related to the full scope of the various projects presented. This document is intended only to address the following goals, with the overall intent to establish a unified and community -wide vision for Downtown Flagler Park: Provide a unique identity to each of the seven proposed park squares while still designing each to feel connected to a larger whole; Improve pedestrian walkability from square to square; Elevate the functionality of each park square by strategic use of landscape and hardscape materials; Preserve the over seven acres of green space for use as a public park for future generations; Establish a visibly attractive downtown district to encourage increased traffic for local businesses; Create more prominent focal points in park centers; Substantially improve the general aesthetics of our community. Prioritizing consistency throughout Flagler Parks, site functionality, the establishment of tree canopies, and increased attention to detail related to our community character will also serve the downtown area well in the future. As a result of extensive research for well over a year, collaborative efforts with professionals and local stakeholders, and a thorough public comment period, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County recommends the following conceptual redesign of Downtown Flagler Park for the City Council's consideration. Park Descriptions Park 1 City Hall Plaza: Located between Southeast 2nd and 3rd Avenues, this park celebrates the history of the City of Okeechobee and its incorporation in 1915. Markers should be placed to denote the first City Council meeting held on July 13, 1915 with Peter Raulerson as Mayor, Henry Chandler as City Clerk, and Council Members L.M. Raulerson, W.L. Coats, Dr. Roy Darrow, Smith Drawdy and C.L. Hatchi. A stage with a paved ADA accessible seating area at the center of this park will provide a more permanent location and stately presence for both smaller community events and larger events, attracting visitors from surrounding areas. Lawn seating beyond the low seat wall may be used for concerts or larger community ceremonies. Sidewalks in this park are recommended to be redesigned to mirror the other Flagler Parks with historic criss-cross pathways. Additional recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of City Hall Plaza; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Replace light posts with taller, more stately posts to match the rest of Flagler Park; Use landscaping to screen unsightly utilities; Relocate small chickee to Seminole Square for consistency and functionality; Provide shade for seating areas by either structures consistent with nearby architecture or shade trees; Create more comfortable and usable seating patterns; Update damaged trash receptacles and other outdated hardscape; Remove the existing unhealthy plant material. Park 2 Veterans Memorial Square: Located between South Parrott and Southwest 2nd Avenues, this park honors our nation's military veterans and memorializes the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our U.S. military. A large arched sign at the entrance of this park is recommended to announce the Downtown Flagler Parks of Okeechobee at our main thoroughfare. A new layout would provide functional seating areas at memorial monuments while redesigned landscape screens provide privacy for reflection. New landscape beds along the perimeters of the park are recommended to L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 2 of7� /lL Po' -;La V, A, ( ot)+tu "- provide structure, serve as noise buffers, and provide a barrier to safely separate children from adjacent traffic. The center of the park may be left open to accommodate displays and events; Additional recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Veterans Memorial Square; Complete live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Create a more usable plaza layout for veteran and memorial events; Consider bronze monuments honoring soldiers as educational focal points; Utilize landscaping to create more privacy from the roadway traffic and for noise reduction. Park 3 Speckled Perch Square: Located between Southwest 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Okeechobee is renowned for our worldclass bass fishing and has even been recognized as the "Speckled Perch Capital of the World." This park is intended to celebrate our outdoor lifestyle and the unique wildlife native to Okeechobee County. A traditional fountain or an interactive water feature for children located at the center of the park is recommended to serve 'as the main focal point. Life-size bronze art depicting native Florida wildlife is recommended to be placed at the central water feature and other prominent locations throughout the square. Restroom facilities are recommended at the east end of the square with easy access from the adjacent Veterans Memorial Square. The majority of the park is designed to remain open for festivals and events. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Speckled Perch Square; Complete live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Replace outdated and inconsistent site furniture with one cohesive style throughout all parks. -Select furniture to reflect the style of the newly designed parks and to serve the different functions of each park square; Create a larger, more usable central plaza; Create stronger hardscape connectors. Park 4 Seminole Square: Located between Southwest 3rd and 4th Avenues. The fourth square within the Flagler Parks is dedicated to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and its historic influence on Okeechobee County. Existing chickees are recommended to be incorporated in the new park layout. The addition of a larger chickee structure will offer more opportunities for larger events or may serve as a covered seating area. The smaller chickee from existing City Hall Square may be relocated here to be incorporated with an open courtyard in the center of the park square. Life-size bronze sculptures of historic Seminole figures are recommended to be incorporated in the landscape to resemble a traditional Seminole camp. This would be designed to educate visitors of the Tribe's history and influence in Okeechobee, Florida. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Seminole Square; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Screen all existing utilities with cohesive landscaping; Remove small aluminum gazebo; Redesign square to give chickees a purpose as an integral part of the space; Place park furniture (tables and benches) more purposefully; Work directly with Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure historic accuracy. Park 5 Settlers Square: Located between Southwest 4th and 5th Avenues. This park is dedicated to the historic leaders, businesses and events responsible for shaping Okeechobee into the community it is today. A flagpole is placed at the center of the park at the central plaza dedicated to Colonel R.E. Hamrick. Additional bronze markers are recommended to be placed at prominent locations within the square to highlight the first settlers and businesses of the community, including: Peter & Louisiana Raulerson; Dr. Anna & Dr. Roy Darrow (Park Drugs); Dan McCarthy (first grocery, feed and hardware stores); Lewis Raulerson (Raulerson's Department Store); and Henry Flagler, who recognized the prime location of Okeechobee County halfway between coasts and adjacent to a major body of water. Early boosters envisioned Okeechobee a metropolis and massive rail hub - a "Chicago of the South." Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Settlers Square; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Redesign plantings around existing gazebo to open views and incorporate in new park layout. On Nearby Park Street: Redesign low maintenance, simplified, cohesive corner landscape islands. Remove L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 3 of 7' 9/1 f/9-61 0 v A. Con-R�U_d diseased and unhealthy queen palms for more shade trees appropriate for the space along the entire Park Street in the Downtown District Park 6 Cattleman's Square: Located between Southwest 511 and 6th Avenues. This intends to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of Okeechobee County. The park layout and landscaping fully supports Main Street's Cattle Drive Sculpture project as the prominent focal point of the park square. The cattle drive sculpture project includes life-sized bronze sculptures of a horse and rider, a calf, dog, six head of cattle and a cowboy on a fence. This permanent art display will be installed at the center of the park. Each figure will be strategically placed within a natural landscape to resemble early cattle grazing in Okeechobee County. The art installation will be complete by 2021 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of cattle first arriving to the state in 1521. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Cattleman's Square; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Add flag holders to light posts for seasonal or event flags for this park square and along the remaining squares for consistency; Relocate/remove concrete pads which aren't conducive to the art installation or functional for seating arrangements; Relocate existing palms to create more attractive groupings. Park 7 Butterfly Square: Located between Southwest 6th and 7th Avenues. This park provides a whimsical play area for children. Strategic landscape designs blend the colorful butterfly art displays with the "old Florida" aesthetic of the remaining parks to establish a cohesive presentation of the entire area The existing butterfly garden and playful sculptures are recommended to be surrounded by a creative native play space incorporating natural landscape elements and native vegetation. Seating areas should be placed under new tree canopies around the play area. Restroom facilities are recommended to be located at the east end of the park with easy access from the adjacent Cattlemen Square. Added landscape buffers around the park serve as a barrier between active children and nearby traffic. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Butterfly Square; Create usable, comfortable seating areas for parents and children; Redesign pathways to celebrate historic criss-crossed layout as in remaining park squares; Remove existing dead and diseased plant material; Screen unsightly views with strategic landscaping. Public comment and feedback: Through each step in this initiative, the Economic Council was thorough in gathering and taking into consideration feedback from fellow stakeholder organizations, City officials, and interested members of the general public. The Council also invited' the public to view the project in its entirety and offer official comment on multiple occasions at two separate locations. Comment cards were made available at the public exhibition on January 15th at IRSC, at the exhibition at the Okeechobee County Courthouse where the park plans were displayed for several weeks, and online through the Economic Council's official website. Public feedback varied widely, but the majority of all comments received were supportive for a unified plan. This proposal is intended to be conceptual in nature and does not aim to specifically address each concern presented. However, the feedback gathered should certainly be considered for future development of the space. Each comment card received is included in the supplemental background information in this packet." Comments received included but were not limited to: The provision of shade to make park use realistic in Florida weather; Concerns with ongoing and professional maintenance of the public's investment over the long term; Location and placement of weapons and artillery in Veterans Memorial Square. Substantial support was provided for different placement of artillery relative to appropriateness and functionality of the space. In contrast, comments were also received which were not in favor of moving or adjusting the placement of artillery under any potential circumstance. Concerns relative to ongoing maintenance of restrooms. In contrast, many were in favor of public restrooms especially when considering downtown events. Safety and security for children, especially in the designated play areas. Driver speeding on Highway 70 was noted many times as a high concern. Concerns relative to L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 4 of 7 /y // 1 Y, -4, �cr&Lhtkwl Christmas decorations in the parks, though seasonal celebrations are not addressed in this conceptual redesign. Local Support and Endorsements: The conceptual redesign has been directly communicated with and subsequently supported by the following local stakeholder organizations: Okeechobee Main Street, Okeechobee Main Street's Arts & Culture Alliance, Fine Arts Club of Okeechobee, Okeechobee Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council, Okeechobee County School District, Indian River State College, Okeechobee County, Economic Development Corporation. The recommendation to adopt and implement a centralized beautification plan for the City of Okeechobee is also recommended by the community's Economic Development Plan as publicly proposed and adopted in 2018 by the POLICOM Corporation. This recommendation in the local economic development plan states: "To improve the general appearance of the core center of the City of Okeechobee, a central beautification program should be initiated. Most successful small economies have taken this initiative to demonstrate to out-of-town companies the community takes pride in itself." Each letter of endorsement from local stakeholder organizations is included in the supplemental background information in this packet.', I CAA - lily 1 Q-��Lv�nu--f in -1 I I L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 5 of 7� -- B. A motion was made by Council Member , l 0- and seconded by Council Member I ) to read proposed Ordinance No. 1215 by title only, regarding Abandonment of Right -of -Way Petition No. 20 -001 -AC -SC submitted by the property owner Mr. Omar Abuaita. Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney_, Clark Jarriel4_1 Keefe . Moti arried/ enied. -� Attorney Kowalsky read proposed Ordinance No. 1215 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; VACATING AND ABANDONING CERTAIN RIGHTS-OF-WAY BEING AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF AN ALLEY, 20 -FEET IN WIDTH, LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1 THROUGH 10 AND LOTS 17 THROUGH 26, OF BLOCK 39, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 5 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA; TOGETHER WITH AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF NORTHWEST 10TH STREET (f/k/a SIXTEENTH AVENUE), 100 -FEET IN WIDTH, LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1 THROUGH 10, OF BLOCK 39, AND LOTS 17 THROUGH 26, OF BLOCK 28, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 5 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA (APPLICATION NO. 20 -001 -AC); DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Council Member 1N10 moved to approve the first reading, and set a Final Public Hearing date of September 3, 2020, for proposed Ordinance No. 1215; seconded by Council Member ' t) C - -- ---------- - _CC C C) Q_ vat -C , r� ffy 4 v q t i . o L`�-C'` - r')LL tU 1 - Mayor Watford �' Council Members Abne41L Clark, Jarriel, Keefe. Motion(,9arried/Denied. - -- L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes Page 6 of 7 C 1/ -- -- ---- �. -- -- C muoLl74)1( ))(Iz V. C. Consider rescheduling the November 3, 2020, Regular City Council meeting due to the General Election. eN A-A"K M�yor Watf'rd Council *embers .�4ney�z Clark Ke io Ltried/Denied. V1. COUNCIL COMMENTS v4q N-7 No" I - - cr � 1, i� `' � !��� _� _ ���� _ , L_ �% ,i _- ��1�--.L--G- � ---- --- - - - v --- -- --- CULL 4-:t lr)�- L VII. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at —(C,,L!(J P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. L. Garniotea Handwritten Minutes Page 7 of 7, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA AUGUST 4, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY BOBBIE JENKINS I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at (3:00_ 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. 20-179 effective July 29, 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 DVV followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by LG I. 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 Carlyn Kowalsky, City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca, Police Chief Bob Peterson, Fire Chief Herb Smith (absent), Public Works Director David Allen, Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins, Finance Director India Riedel, and Executive Assistant Robin Brock were present in the Chamber. Finance Director recognized by DW, Lalo came in after attendance taken. If. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred, or withdrawn; New Business Item D Res. 2020-11 (ex 4); Item E letter to governor concerning extension of virtual meetings (ex 5); Item F SBA letter re; emergency funds due to the COVID-19 (ex 6) B. Council Member _[-sJ_ moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by Council Member _B6:_ 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. III. CONSENT AGENDA MC pulled item C- Award Okeechobee Landscape Maintenance and Installation Bid No. PW 02-11-07-20 in the amount of $46,195.00 to JMC Landscaping Services, Inc. (as provided in Exhibit 2)] for discussion. A motion was made by Council Member _BK_ to approve the consent agenda items A through B [July 21, 2020, Regular meeting minutes; Temporary Street Closing of Southwest 31d and 4t" Avenues from 5:00 P.M. September 4 through 7, 2020, for the annual Okeechobee Main Street Labor Day Festival (as provided in Exhibit 1)]; seconded by Council Member _BJ VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried. MC -I wanted to talk about it because I keep hearing complaints about our existing firm and I wanted to know if you had some of those same concerns with the job that they are doing. I understand that we have to continually call them, grass high, islands on main street. I'm really concerned, even though he's a low bidder. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 1 of 8 MDO-edging and centennial park, islands were added later, now incorporates everything, parks are well maintained and looks very nice. MC -so the issues have been addressed MDO-yes, example now with mulch, we do planter beds, we supply the mulch, now with this bid, mulch is included. DA -there were some blurred lines in the old contract, the median beds were one of them, it is very specified with an individual line item. MC -replacement of trees not in this contract. MDO-three separate budget line items, just a work order for specific set, also in same bind. WA -centennial park part of contract MDO-it is now. Motion to approve bid award -BJ; 2nd BK IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation of FLAGLER PARK Master Plan by the Economic Council of Okeechobee. Jennifer Tewksbury started this about this time last year, put on hold due to covid-proposed conceptual plan advertised to public since January 2020. Our overall goal is to complete a unified plan for all the parks. Landscape Architect Mike Flaugh, Treasure Coast Landscape Architect — concept to get the ball rolling. DW -you did the drawings? Yes, I think many of you have seen this before and now is our time to ask questions. BJ -thankful for the ECOK for doing this. Improving our city and giving us a different look. Appreciate it at this point, I'd like to see it go step by step. Its something to do these projects but we're going to have to maintain these. I'm sure you have some more planning to do but hopefully there is a committee to stage on this to see it through. Mike -details are many but in general view I would honestly be hard pressed to find a greater opportunity in my career as this, park system in place is amazing, that's probably a long run to get there, can do methodically and physically responsibly. MC -do you kind of have an idea of where the groundwork is and have you done a park system like this and how many years out to complete this. Mike -move from concept to realization, cost projecting, phasing and how this might work. You have control over this. You can do something you can grow with. There's so many bigger picture things like parking, the use of the park, want it to be truly functional to everyone. BK -to ECOK JT, cover letter, 1St paragraph respectfully requests the city to go out to bid. Is that ECOK budget or city budget JT -city budget, I believe that is still a line item. BK -delays are out of our control but better time since we're going into budget talks. As a comment I went to the first presentation at IRSC and it was wonderful, you spoke well, and went over the design concepts. I think my comment was `this is a big project that has to be a collaborative effort of multiple agencies, not just a city task, financially, the work, this is a community effort. Not just the city's park system, but county as a whole. Every9one who lives here goes by these parks and should have input. Too big to isolate to just one groups efforts as well. You have the ECOK, OKMS, Hamrick trust, City, County. There's a number of organizations that need to be involved as it moves forward. Look forward to it moving forward, city clerk said there's a park master plan developed years ago, that's typically what happens, a lot of tax dollars to put this together and then they sit on the shelf and collect dust. Way overdue for us to move forward and beautify the city. WA -thank the ECOK for all the work they've put into this project. Thank you very much, and I think it's something we can look forward to and works towards, hopefully other organizations will assist. DW -thanked the ECOK. One thing I like, seems like we've had several requests to put things in the park, and I like this because it gives us a road map to use so if somebody came by and wanted to put a taco stand in the park, I like this idea that it gives us a good road map to use and it kind of helps us to control these things. Festivals are kind of our trademarks. Several coastal residents come to those. I don't know that we need to take any action, other than to maybe accept the park plan from ECOK and maybe direct our staff to pursue this. We got this tonight and I hate to do things on a whim. If its agreeable with the Council, accept the plan and take the items into consideration for the budget hearings, or you may want to come up with a suggestion or a committee. MDO-this is something we went thru, fantastic plan, CCNA landscape falls into that, we can do that now, staff can do that now, it's a great plan but we have to go through the process. BJ -motion to create another citizen advisory board or whatever it needs to be called none the less I had a dquest4ions to the administrator that can go concurrently? How long will it take? B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 2 of 8 MDO-typically 60 days BK -realistically citizen board app period could be run concurrently, if its at the will of the Council to create/abolish, I would just appreciate continuing this effort moving forward, RFQ together, advisory, board app going, MDO-think RFQ first since its budget time, then if its approve BK -doesn't cost anything right? We don't pay the citizens anything. This takes a while, this is a long time. There are a lot of entities that need to be involved. I think that it would be just as prudent to start the planning process, it's still at the will and pleasure of the Council to approve it. I think starting to develop this plan beyond the conceptual basis. MDO-to me that would be getting the architect here, then have something to bring to the board. DW -I wculd for our staff to determine, there may be other people you want on this board, there may be technical people on this board, I would rather staff recommend to us the type of board, and the members JT -intent of the letter was not to put you in an awkward position. BJ -we're not going to let it sit idle but we need input from the County too, its community wide, I agree but we can wait. DW -consensus of the council would be to start the RFQ process for the landscape architect. Executive Summary: Over the course of the last 12 months, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County has worked with landscape professionals, many local stakeholder organizations and elected City officials in the development of the proposed redesign of our Flagler Parks. Through an all-encompassing redesign and renovation like what is broadly proposed in this package, our City has the opportunity to preserve cherished elements of our local history, celebrate our agricultural heritage, create a continuous and consistent sense of place, and truly begin to invest in over seven acres of priceless green space for the benefit of current and future generations. The intent of this initiative from the beginning has been to establish a unified vision for the future of our centrally -located Flagler Parks; a vision which reflects our character as a community, is conducive to multiple types of downtown events, and which draws residents and visitors alike to the area. The following conceptual redesign does not address specific financial obligations, parties responsible for completion, or details related to the full scope of the various projects presented. This document is intended only to address the following goals, with the overall intent to establish a unified and community -wide vision for Downtown Flagler Park: Provide a unique identity to each of the seven proposed park squares while still designing each to feel connected to a larger whole; Improve pedestrian walkability from square to square; Elevate the functionality of each park square by strategic use of landscape and hardscape materials; Preserve the over seven acres of green space for use as a public park for future generations; Establish a visibly attractive downtown district to encourage increased traffic for local businesses; Create more prominent focal points in park centers; Substantially improve the general aesthetics of our community. Prioritizing consistency throughout Flagler Parks, site functionality, the establishment of tree canopies, and increased attention to detail related to our community character will also serve the downtown area well in the future. As a result of extensive research for well over a year, collaborative efforts with professionals and local stakeholders, and a thorough public comment period, the Economic Council of Okeechobee County recommends the following conceptual redesign of Downtown Flagler Park for the City Council's consideration. Park Descriptions Park 1 City Hall Plaza: Located between Southeast 2nd and 3rd Avenues, this park celebrates the history of the City of Okeechobee and its incorporation in 1915. Markers should be placed to denote the first City Council meeting held on July 13, 1915 with Peter Raulerson as Mayor, Henry Chandler as City Clerk, and Council Members L.M. Raulerson, W.L. Coats, Dr. Roy Darrow, Smith Drawdy and C.L. Hatchi. A stage with a paved ADA accessible seating area at the center of this park will provide a more permanent location and stately presence for both smaller community events and larger events, attracting visitors from surrounding areas. Lawn seating beyond the low seat wall may be used for concerts or larger community ceremonies. Sidewalks in this park are recommended to be redesigned to mirror the other Flagler Parks with historic criss-cross pathways. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 3 of 8 Additional recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of City Hall Plaza; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Replace light posts with taller, more stately posts to match the rest of Flagler Park; Use landscaping to screen unsightly utilities; Relocate small chickee to Seminole Square for consistency and functionality; Provide shade for seating areas by either structures consistent with nearby architecture or shade trees; Create more comfortable and usable seating patterns; Update damaged trash receptacles and other outdated hardscape; Remove the existing unhealthy plant material. Park 2 Veterans Memorial Square: Located between South Parrott and Southwest 2nd Avenues, this park honors our nation's military veterans and memorializes the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our U.S. military. A large arched sign at the entrance of this park is recommended to announce the Downtown Flagler Parks of Okeechobee at our main thoroughfare. A new layout would provide functional seating areas at memorial monuments while redesigned landscape screens provide privacy for reflection. New landscape beds along the perimeters of the park are recommended to provide structure, serve as noise buffers, and provide a barrier to safely separate children from adjacent traffic. The center of the park may be left open to accommodate displays and events. Additional recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Veterans Memorial Square; Complete live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Create a more usable plaza layout for veteran and memorial events; Consider bronze monuments honoring soldiers as educational focal points; Utilize landscaping to create more privacy from the roadway traffic and for noise reduction. Park 3 Speckled Perch Square: Located between Southwest 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Okeechobee is renowned for our world-class bass fishing and has even been recognized as the "Speckled Perch Capital of the World." This park is intended to celebrate our outdoor lifestyle and the unique wildlife native to Okeechobee County. A traditional fountain or an interactive water feature for children located at the center of the park is recommended to serve as the main focal point. Life-size bronze art depicting native Florida wildlife is recommended to be placed at the central water feature and other prominent locations throughout the square. Restroom facilities are recommended at the east end of the square with easy access from the adjacent Veterans Memorial Square. The majority of the park is designed to remain open for festivals and events. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Speckled Perch Square; Complete live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Replace outdated and inconsistent site furniture with one cohesive style throughout all parks. Select furniture to reflect the style of the newly designed parks and to serve the different functions of each park square; Create a larger, more usable central plaza; Create stronger hardscape connectors. Park 4 Seminole Square: Located between Southwest 3rd and 4t" Avenues. The fourth square within the Flagler Parks is dedicated to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and its historic influence on Okeechobee County. Existing chickees are recommended to be incorporated in the new park layout. The addition of a larger chickee structure will offer more opportunities for larger events or may serve as a covered seating area. The smaller chickee from existing City Hall Square may be relocated here to be incorporated with an open courtyard in the center of the park square. Life-size bronze sculptures of historic Seminole figures are recommended to be incorporated in the landscape to resemble a traditional Seminole camp. This would be designed to educate visitors of the Tribe's history and influence in Okeechobee, Florida. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Seminole Square; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Screen all existing utilities with cohesive landscaping; Remove small aluminum gazebo; Redesign square to give chickees a purpose as an integral B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 4 of 8 part of the space; Place park furniture (tables and benches) more purposefully; Work directly with Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure historic accuracy. Park 5 Settlers Square: Located between Southwest 4th and 5th Avenues. This park is dedicated to the historic leaders, businesses and events responsible for shaping Okeechobee into the community it is today. A flagpole is placed at the center of the park at the central plaza dedicated to Colonel R.E. Hamrick. Additional bronze markers are recommended to be placed at prominent locations within the square to highlight the first settlers and businesses of the community, including: Peter & Louisiana Raulerson; Dr. Anna & Dr. Roy Darrow (Park Drugs); Dan McCarthy (first grocery, feed and hardware stores); Lewis Raulerson (Raulerson's Department Store); and Henry Flagler, who recognized the prime location of Okeechobee County halfway between coasts and adjacent to a major body of water. Early boosters envisioned Okeechobee a metropolis and massive rail hub - a "Chicago of the South." Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Settlers Square; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Redesign plantings around existing gazebo to open views and incorporate in new park layout. On Nearby Park Street: Redesign low maintenance, simplified, cohesive corner landscape islands. Remove diseased and unhealthy queen palms for more shade trees appropriate for the space along the entire Park Street in the Downtown District Park 6 Cattleman's Square: Located between Southwest 5th and 6th Avenues. This intends to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of Okeechobee County. The park layout and landscaping fully supports Main Street's Cattle Drive Sculpture project as the prominent focal point of the park square. The cattle drive sculpture project includes life-sized bronze sculptures of a horse and rider, a calf, dog, six head of cattle and a cowboy on a fence. This permanent art display will be installed at the center of the park. Each figure will be strategically placed within a natural landscape to resemble early cattle grazing in Okeechobee County. The art installation will be complete by 2021 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of cattle first arriving to the state in 1521. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Cattleman's Square; Establish live oak tree border along the perimeter of the square; Add flag holders to light posts for seasonal or event flags for this park square and along the remaining squares for consistency; Relocate/remove concrete pads which aren't conducive to the art installation or functional for seating arrangements; Relocate existing palms to create more attractive groupings. Park 7 Butterfly Square: Located between Southwest 6th and 7th Avenues. This park provides a whimsical play area for children. Strategic landscape designs blend the colorful butterfly art displays with the "old Florida" aesthetic of the remaining parks to establish a cohesive presentation of the entire area The existing butterfly garden and playful sculptures are recommended to be surrounded by a creative native play space incorporating natural landscape elements and native vegetation. Seating areas should be placed under new tree canopies around the play area. Restroom facilities are recommended to be located at the east end of the park with easy access from the adjacent Cattlemen Square. Added landscape buffers around the park serve as a barrier between active children and nearby traffic. Additional Recommendations: Create memorable park entrances at each corner of Butterfly Square; Create usable, comfortable seating areas for parents and children; Redesign pathways to celebrate historic crisscrossed layout as in remaining park squares; Remove existing dead and diseased plant material; Screen unsightly views with strategic landscaping. Public comment and feedback: Through each step in this initiative, the Economic Council was thorough in gathering and taking into consideration feedback from fellow stakeholder organizations, City officials, and interested members of the general public. The Council also invited the public to view the project in its entirety B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 5 of 8 and offer official comment on multiple occasions at two separate locations. Comment cards were made available at the public exhibition on January 15th at IRSC, at the exhibition at the Okeechobee County Courthouse where the park plans were displayed for several weeks, and online through the Economic Council's official website. Public feedback varied widely, but the majority of all comments received were supportive for a unified plan. This proposal is intended to be conceptual in nature and does not aim to specifically address each concern presented. However, the feedback gathered should certainly be considered for future development of the space. Each comment card received is included in the supplemental background information in this packet. Comments received included but were not limited to: The provision of shade to make park use realistic in Florida weather; Concerns with ongoing and professional maintenance of the public's investment over the long term; Location and placement of weapons and artillery in Veterans Memorial Square. Substantial support was provided for different placement of artillery relative to appropriateness and functionality of the space. In contrast, comments were also received which were not in favor of moving or adjusting the placement of artillery under any potential circumstance. Concerns relative to ongoing maintenance of restrooms. In contrast, many were in favor of public restrooms especially when considering downtown events. Safety and security for children, especially in the designated play areas. Driver speeding on Highway 70 was noted many times as a high concern. Concerns relative to Christmas decorations in the parks, though seasonal celebrations are not addressed in this conceptual redesign. Local Support and Endorsements: The conceptual redesign has been directly communicated with and subsequently supported by the following local stakeholder organizations: Okeechobee Main Street, Okeechobee Main Street's Arts & Culture Alliance, Fine Arts Club of Okeechobee, Okeechobee Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council, Okeechobee County School District, Indian River State College, Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation. The recommendation to adopt and implement a centralized beautification plan for the City of Okeechobee is also recommended by the community's Economic Development Plan as publicly proposed and adopted in 2018 by the POLICOM Corporation. This recommendation in the local economic development plan states: "To improve the general appearance of the core center of the City of Okeechobee, a central beautification program should be initiated. Most successful small economies have taken this initiative to demonstrate to out-of- town companies the community takes pride in itself." Each letter of endorsement from local stakeholder organizations is included in the supplemental background information in this packet. B. A motion was made by Council Member HIC—and seconded by Council Member BK to read proposed Ordinance No. 1215 by title only, regarding Abandonment of Right -of -Way Petition No. 20 -001 -AC -SC submitted by the property owner Mr. Omar Abuaita. VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried. Attorney Kowalsky read proposed Ordinance No. 1215 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; VACATING AND ABANDONING CERTAIN RIGHTS-OF-WAY BEING AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF AN ALLEY, 20 -FEET IN WIDTH, LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1 THROUGH 10 AND LOTS 17 THROUGH 26, OF BLOCK 39, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 5 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA; TOGETHER WITH AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF NORTHWEST 10TH STREET (f/k/a SIXTEENTH AVENUE), 100 -FEET IN WIDTH, LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1 THROUGH 10, OF BLOCK 39, AND LOTS 17 THROUGH 26, OF BLOCK 28, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 5 OF THE B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 6 of 8 PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA (APPLICATION NO. 20 -001 -AC -SC); DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Council Member moved to approve the first reading, and set a Final Public Hearing date of September 3, 2020, for proposed Ordinance No. 1215; seconded by Council Member _BJ_ Ben Smith -we reviewed t his request on behalf of the property owner, the TRC is recommending approval, and the Planning Board also recommended approval. Couple of things recently corrected on the application, but the staff report has been created. You may recall the property surrounding this right of way was approved for a zoning change for RMF and FLU change to MF, apartment project going on this site. Since the rezoning and map change has been completed, we recommend that the subject ROW be zoned RMF and FLU to MF, received approvals from utilities and neighboring property owners. Comments from public -Steve Dobbs, 1062 Jakes Way, agree with the TRC and Planning Board. They are just going to use the pond as retention. DW -the front portion on 9t" street is fenced, and there is no fence around the rest of it. I assume at some point it would be fenced. Steve -it should be soon. DW -she saw the gate open, but its not completely fenced. I would think for that neighborhood it should be gated. DW -only question I have, how did someone dig a hole across our streets or alleys? Steve -opinion nobody asked permission. VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried. C. Consider rescheduling the November 3, 2020, Regular City Council meeting due to the General Election. LG -in the past we have normally cancelled this meeting or holding it earlier in the day. Problem with holding it during the day is that the SOE's staff will not be there to help, we can use my staff to help. I know council does to want to cancel any meetings, but need a suggestion. Everyone is going to want to be at the courthouse. DW -any pressing items, MDO-we are going to have some advertisements for some upcoming projects, so we need to know the advertisements LG -potential rezonings, so we need to know how to advertise it. You can always call a special meeting if there are immediate items to be taken care of prior to Nov 17 WA -in the past we have cancelled that meeting. MC -move to wed or thur of same week BK -agree with monica LG -nothing on 11/5 Agreeable with Council move to 11/5 ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: Item D -motion to adopt res no. 2020-11 WA; 2ND -BK CK read by title VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: Item E -letter to governor requesting that he extend the virtual meeting aspects due to the COVID-19 (exhibit 5) CK -this was something that john presented to you all to consider since the PBC league of cities was posing that their membership, restricting the meetings, extending 30 -days at a tie, extend indefinitely until he rescinds it so to speak. I reached out to the TCRLC but I haven't heard back yet. Motion: MC/2"d BK B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 7 of 8 No discussion VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: Item F -letter to SBA to request emergency funding for municipal governments. CK -this is just asking the federal government to direct funding to local governments to help mitigate expenditures, putting place holder in there to receive this funds. DW -cities over 500,000 got direct funding, others not. Motion: BK/BJ VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried. VI. COUNCIL COMMENTS WA -NONE BJ -HAPPY WE DIDN'T HAVE A HURRICANE, REALLY HAPPY TO SEE THT THE CITY AND THE ECOK AR EMOVING TOGETHER TO BEAUTIFY THE CITY. DW -SPEAKING OF HURRICANE, HOPE YOU RECEIVED AN EMAIL ON WHY WE DIDN'T DO A SOE. DO YOU RECEIVE THE COUNTY UPDATES, JUST WANTED TO BE SURE. BK -IF IT PLEASES THE REST OF THE COUNCIL, UPDATE ON CODE ENFORCEMENT, PENDING FORECLOSURES, WHEN I CONTACTED MELISSA LAST WEEK, ANYWAYS I'D LIKE AN UPDATE ON THAT. BP -YOU WILL GET THAT TOMORROW, I JUST GOT IT TODAY. (WILL EMAIL ALL OF US) ****ASK BOB FOR A COPY OF THE REPORT*** MC -ONLY HAVE ONE COMMENT TONIGHT, WHILE WE'RE THINKING ABOUT DOING A MAWSTER PLAN FOR THE PARKS, I WOULD LIKE TO CONSIDER DOIG STOANDARDS FOR TH EHISTORIC DOWNTOWN. I KNOW SOME PEOPLE OBJECTED TO THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS GOING IN DOWNTONW, DESIGN STANDARDS GO HAND IN HAND WITH THE PARK PLAN, MAYBE THAT WOULD BE A WISE TIEM TOD IT SINCE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BROAD SELECTION OF PEOPLE WORKING ON THE SAME GOAL. THIS HAS BEEN ON MY LIST FOR YEARS. DW-CDBG GRANT TO DO STORE FRONTS, TRIED TO COME UP WITH A THEME, WESTERN, CIRCUS, WE TRIED AND DISUCCESSED IT. AND THEN WE HAD A BUILDING PAINTED A CERTAIN COLOR THAT NO ONE LIKED. VII. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at _649_ P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes Page 8 of 8