2020-08-04 Approved MinutesMet,
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ti°m CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
a AUGUST 4, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
97
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 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. 20-179 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 and audio files were retained as
a permanent record. The invocation was offered by Mayor Watford, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance led by City Clerk Gamiotea.
11. ATTENDANCE
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Council Members Wes Abney, Monica Clark, Bob Jarriel,
and Bobby Keefe were present in the Chambers.
CITY STAFF: City Clerk Lane Gamiotea, City Attorney Carlyn Kowalsky, City
Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca, Police Chief Bob Peterson, Public Works Director
David Allen, Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins, General Services Coordinator Patty
Burnette, Finance Director India Riedel, and Executive Assistant Robin Brock were
present in the Chambers. Fire Chief Herb Smith was absent; Fire Captain Lalo
Rodriguez was in attendance.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added,
deferred, or withdrawn. New Business items D, E, and F with Exhibits 4, 5, and 6
were added by the City Attorney.
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. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Keefe to approve the consent agenda
items A through B [July 21, 2020, Regular meeting minutes; Temporary Street
Closing for a portion of Southwest 3rd and 4t" Avenues between North and South
Park Streets 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 Jarriel.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
Item C was removed from the consent items for discussion. The current
Landscape Contractor is the low bidder and being recommended for award.
Council Member Clark asked whether the various complaints and issues with
them had been addressed. After a brief discussion, it was clarified that all items
of concern were addressed or clarified within the new contract. A motion was
made by Council Member Jarriel to 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 Keefe. This is a one-year contract with a one-
year renewal. Bids were also received by TWQ, LLC for $57,067.50, and Nunez
Lawncare and Landscaping for $53,800.00.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
August 4, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 1 of 6
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V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Mrs. Jennifer Tewksbury, Executive Director of the Economic Council of
Okeechobee (ECOK), presented the 2020 Vision for Okeechobee's Downtown
FLAGLER PARKs, and explained over the last year the ECOK has worked with
landscape professionals, many local stakeholder organizations, and elected City
officials in the development of a Conceptual Redesign Plan. Through this, the
City has the opportunity to preserve cherished elements of local history, celebrate
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. From the beginning, the intent of this initiative 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 Plan does not address specific financial obligations, parties
responsible for completion, or details related to the full scope of the various
projects presented. The following provides a summary of the information
presented.
Park 1 City Hall Plaza, located between Southeast 2nd and 3rd Avenues (Block
P of FLAGLER PARK), celebrates the history of the City 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. Hatch. A stage with a paved Americans with Disabilities Act (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 crisscross 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 (Block E of FLAGLER PARK), honors our nation's
military Veterans and memorializes the brave men and women who made the
ultimate sacrifice while serving in our United States 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 (Block L of FLAGLER PARK). 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.
August 4, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 2 of 6
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NEW BUSINESS ITEM A CONTINUED: 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
(Block G of FLAGLER PARK), will be 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 Plaza 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. 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 (Block
A of FLAGLER PARK), will be 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 and Louisiana Raulerson; Dr.
Anna and 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 South 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
South Park Street in the Downtown District.
Park 6 Cattleman's Square, located between Southwest 5th and 6th Avenues
(Block L of FLAGLER PARK), intends to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage
of Okeechobee County. The park layout and landscaping fully supports
Okeechobee Main Street's Cattle Drive Sculpture project as the prominent focal
point of the park square. The 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 is scheduled to be complete by 2021
to celebrate Florida's 500th anniversary of cattle first arriving 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.
August 4, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 3 of 6
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NEW BUSINESS ITEM A CONTINUED: Park 7 Butterfly Square, located
between Southwest 6th and 7th Avenues (Block F of FLAGLER 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 feedback was collected while the Plan was on display online through the
ECOK's official website, at Indian River State College on January 15, 2020, and
for multiple weeks at the Okeechobee County Courthouse. The majority
supported a unified Plan. 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. Drivers speeding on North Park
Street/SR 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. The Plan has been directly communicated
with and 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.
It was also pointed out that a recommendation to adopt and implement a
centralized beautification Plan for the City is recommended by the community's
Economic Development Plan as publicly proposed and adopted in 2018 by the
POLICOM Corporation, which 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." The
ECOK requested the City post a Request for Qualifications to begin the early
stages of the Plan. Mrs. Tewksbury then introduced the Mr. Mike Flaugh,
Landscape Architect, who explained his concept for creating the Plan. He
encouraged the Council to use this as a basis to generate interest and implement
a method to complete each park in phases.
Mayor Watford and each Council Member stated their appreciation for this Plan
and the efforts that went into it. After discussion, the consensus of the Council
was to tentatively accept the Plan with gratitude, for Staff to move forward
with providing a recommendation on creating a Citizens Advisory
Committee to ensure the Plan's fruition, and to prepare the Request for
Qualifications. The matter may be discussed during budget review.
Additionally, see Council Member Clark's section under Council
Comments.
August 4, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 4 of 6
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B. A motion was made by Council Member Clark and seconded by Council
Member Keefe 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 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 Clark moved to approve the first reading, and set
September 3, 2020, as a Final Public Hearing date for proposed Ordinance
No. 1215; seconded by Council Member Jarriel.
Mayor Watford yielded the floor to Mr. Ben Smith, Senior Planner with LaRue
Planning and Management, who explained the Technical Review Committee, the
Planning Board and Planning Staff have all recommended approval. The property
surrounding these rights-of-way was approved for a Rezoning (No. 19-006-R) to
residential multiple family (RMF) and a Future Land Use Map Amendment (No.
19 -005 -SSA) to multi -family residential (MFR), for a proposed apartment complex
project. Should the right-of-way abandonment be approved, it is recommended
that the rights-of-way be zoned RMF with a MFR future land use. Letters from
surrounding properties approving the abandonment, as well as utility approval
letters have been received. Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comments.
Mr. Steve Dobbs, 1062 Jakes Way, was in attendance on behalf of the petitioner,
and was available for questions.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
C. City Clerk Gamiotea recommended the Council consider rescheduling the
November 3, 2020, Regular City Council meeting due to it being General Election
Day. After a brief discussion, the consensus of the Council was to reschedule
the meeting to Thursday, November 5, 2020, at 6:00 P.M.
D. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: Attorney Kowalsky explained due to the extension
of the Florida State of Emergency by Governor DeSantis to September 1, 2020,
the Local State of Emergency should be extended as well. Copies of proposed
Resolution No. 2020-11 were distributed at the beginning of the meeting. A
motion was made by Council Member Abney, and seconded by Council
Member Keefe, to adopt proposed Resolution No. 2020-11.
Attorney Kowalsky read proposed Resolution No. 2020-11 by title only as follows:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA EXTENDING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DUE TO
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2020;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
August 4, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 5 of 6
74
E. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: Attorney Kowalski explained the example letter
included within Exhibit 5 is being suggested by the Florida League of Cities to
formally request Governor DeSantis extend the option for local governments to
hold virtual meetings, pertaining to the public health concerns of COVID-19,
indefinitely or a specific date. A motion was made by Council Member Clark
to authorize Mayor Watford to send a letter formally requesting Governor
DeSantis to extend the option for local governments to hold virtual
meetings indefinitely or until Executive Order No. 20-69 and its extensions
are rescinded; seconded by Council Member Keefe.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
F. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: Exhibit 6 was distributed and contained a sample
letter directed to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal
Government to release emergency funding to municipal governments with a
population of less than 500,000 to help mitigate expenditures, and current and
future losses experienced by the community from COVID-19. Those with a
population of 500,000 or more were direct beneficiaries of the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act. Attorney Kowalsky suggested the Council
authorize the Mayor to send this letter to both agencies on behalf of the City.
Council Member Keefe made a motion authorizing Mayor Watford to send
these letters formally requesting the release of emergency funding for
municipalities (as recommended and provided in the Exhibit); seconded by
Council Member Jarriel.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
VI. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Jarriel expressed his appreciation for the joint effort to beautify the City.
He was also glad that the community was not impacted by a hurricane over the
weekend. Mayor Watford verified that all Council Members received updates from the
County Emergency Operations Center regarding the hurricane.
Council Member Keefe requested an update from Code Enforcement be included on the
next meeting agenda. Police Chief Peterson responded he would email the update he
received earlier in the day. Council Member Keefe thanked him, and noted the agenda
item would not be required.
Council Member Clark asked the Council to consider creating a design standard for the
historic downtown area in conjunction with the FLAGLER PARK project. It was agreed
this would be a separate item for the potential committee to address.
VII. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at
6:49 P.M. The next meeting is a budget workshop scheduled for August 12, 204, at
5:00 P.M.
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, tMC, City Clerk
/w
Do ling R. Watford, J Mayor
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.
August 4, 2020, Regular Meeting, Page 6 of 6