2020-09-03 Approved Minutes[o
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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
Gs a SEPTEMBER 3, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
v s. AND FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
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B. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of September 2020 as "Hunger Action
Month." The document was accepted by Mr. Luis Rivera and Ms. Erika Chavez
of the Treasure Coast Food Bank, and read into the record as follows: "Whereas,
hunger and poverty remain issues of grave concern in the United States, the State
of Florida, the Treasure Coast, and the City of Okeechobee, with 6,050 children
and adults in Okeechobee County now categorized as food insecure; and
Whereas, the City of Okeechobee is committed to taking steps to raise awareness
about the need to combat hunger in every part of our City and to provide additional
resources that the citizens of Okeechobee need; and Whereas, the City of
Okeechobee is committed to working with the Treasure Coast Food Bank in
mobilizing people about the role and importance of food banks and other hunger
relief organizations in addressing hunger and bringing attention to the need to
devote more resources and attention to hunger issues; and Whereas, food banks
and hunger relief organizations across the country, including the Treasure Coast
Food Bank, coordinated Hunger Action Day on September 10, 2020 and will
continue to host numerous events throughout the month of September to shed
light on this important issue and encourage involvement in efforts to end hunger
in their local community. Now, Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of
the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby
proclaim the month of September 2020 as `Hunger Action Month'.,,
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member Jarriel to approve the consent agenda items A
through B [August 12, 2020, First Budget Workshop, and August 18, 2020, Regular
meeting and Final Budget Workshop minutes; Re -appoint Mr. John Koepke as City
resident one of two appointees to the Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees, term
being October 1, 2020 through September 30, 20241; seconded by Council Member
Keefe.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe.
Nays -none. Motion Carried.
VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:13 P.M.
A. Mayor Watford announced that the purpose of this Public Hearing is to consider
the first reading of Ordinances for the proposed Millage Rate Levy and proposed
Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21.
B. Mayor Watford announced that the proposed Millage Rate levy represents 6.03
percent (6.03%) more than the roll -back rate computed pursuant to Florida
Statutes 200.065(1).
C. Council Member Jarriel moved to read proposed Ordinance No. 1216 by title
only [as provided in Exhibit 11; seconded by Council Member Abney.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1216 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
LEVYING THE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE FOR MUNICIPAL
PURPOSES ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF STATE LAW FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
OCTOBER 1, 2020 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2021; PROVIDING THAT 7.6018
PER THOUSAND DOLLAR VALUATION SHALL NOT BE LEVIED ON HOMESTEAD
PROPERTY; THAT 7.6018 VALUATION SHALL BE USED FOR GENERAL CITY
PURPOSES; THAT SAID MILLAGE RATE IS 6.03 PERCENT (6.03%) MORE THAN
THE ROLL -BACK RATE OF 7.1696 COMPUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA
STATUTE 200.065(1); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Council Member Keefe moved to approve the first reading of proposed
Ordinance No. 1216 and set September 21, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. [or as soon
thereafter as possible] as a final Public Hearing date, levying a Millage Rate
of 7.6013 on all real and tangible personal property for FY October 1, 2020
through September 30, 2021; seconded by Council Member Jarriel.
September 3, 2020, Regular Meeting & First Budget Public Hearing, Page 2 of 6
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Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comments; there was none. There was
no Council discussion on this item.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
D. Council Member Abney moved to read proposed Ordinance No. 1217 by
title only [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.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1217 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA; FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2020, AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30,20211; APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR OPERATING EXPENSES OF
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE FOR THE GENERAL OPERATION OF THE SEVERAL
DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY AND OTHER FIXED OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY
FOR AND DURING THE FISCAL YEAR; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND
SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.,,
Council Member Keefe moved to approve the first reading of proposed
Ordinance No. '1217 and set September 21, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. [or as soon
thereafter as possible] as a final Public Hearing date, setting the annual
Budget for FY October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021; seconded by
Council Member Jarriel.
Within Exhibit 2 the 34 -page proposed Budget was provided. The General Fund
Budget Summary lists the beginning Fund Balance of $4,342,501.00; Estimated
Revenues of $5,822,120.00 ($2,424,459.00) Ad Valorem, $3,397,661.00 Other
Fees, Intergovernmental, Charges for Services, Fines, Forfeitures, Penalties,
Uses of Money and Property, and Other Revenues; $350,000.00 Transferred -In
from Public Facilities Improvement Fund; $1,362,311.00 Transferred -In from
Capital Improvement Projects Fund). Total Projected Expenditures of
$7,534,431.00; leaving a Fund Balance of $4,342,501.00.
Public Facility Improvement (Transportation 301) Fund: Beginning Fund
Balance of $844,807.00; Total Revenue Estimates of $1,164,028.00; Total
Expenditures Projected of $900,488.00, plus $350,000.00 to be Transferred -Out
to General Fund; leaving a Fund Balance of $758,347.00.
Capital Improvements Projects (304) Fund: Beginning Fund Balance is
$3,190,195.00; Total Revenues Estimates of $6,550.00; Total Projected
Expenditures are $155,900.00, plus $1,362,311.00 transferred -out to General
Fund; leaving a Fund Balance $1,678,534.00.
Other Grants (302) Funds: Beginning Fund Balance of $260,000.00;
Appropriation Funds Revenue of $300,000.00; Total Projected Expenditures of
$420,000.00; leaving a Fund Balance of $140,000.00.
Appropriations Grant (307) Funds: Beginning Fund Balance of $593.00;
Appropriation Funds Revenue of $209,000.00; Total Projected Expenditures of
$209,000.00; leaving a Fund Balance of $593.00.
Law Enforcement Special (601) Fund: Beginning Fund Balance is $9,920.00;
Total Estimated Revenues of $1,000.00; Total Projected Expenditures as
$6,500.00; leaving a Fund Balance of $4,420.00.
Mayor Watford read a letter submitted by Economic Council of Okeechobee,
Inc.'s Executive Director Mrs. Jennifer Tewksbury into the record as follows:
"Mayor and Members of the City Council, In respect to the budgetary priorities
and proposed budget for FY 2020-2021, the Economic Council requests your
consideration of the following in your efforts to be fiscally responsible and
forward -thinking: 1. Finalizing an interlocal agreement with Okeechobee County
for fire rescue services will save the City approximately $600,000 annually in
redundant spending; 2. Increasing the prioritization of the general appearance of
September 3, 2020, Regular Meeting & First Budget Public Hearing, Page 3 of 6
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our City will create an environment that fosters private investment and prudent
growth. Historically the City's commitment to landscaping, general aesthetics,
and the related maintenance has been inadequate. Recent actions of the City
Council to improve this are wise, appreciated, and show careful thought to the
future economic wellbeing of the City and taxpayers; 3. An increase in Council
support for the code enforcement department and staff is urgently needed. While
many valuable changes have been made in the department in recent years
(engaged legal counsel, special magistrate, support staff), the benefits of an
effective code enforcement system have yet to be realized. We ask that your
support be increased whether through added funding, increased legal support for
foreclosure processing and ordinance revisions, and/or the reorganization of the
department; 4. Continuing to fund and prioritize initiatives such as the charter
review and comprehensive plan review demonstrate prudent, long-term thinking
for the future of the City. In these uncertain times it is paramount that we
continually evaluate the allocations of our very limited tax dollars and determine
what expenses are necessary for the long-term viability of our City. Prioritizing
the points above is in the best interest of our community and those you serve."
Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Frank Irby addressed
the Council, on behalf of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board,
and requested the Council consider re -allocating the $40,000.00 designated for
the EDC to the renovation of Flagler Parks. It is the opinion of the EDC that the
overall improvement would make a positive impact on visitors with the hopes of
enticing them to relocate to Okeechobee. After a brief discussion, it was agreed
by the Council that the $40,000.00 would not be re -assigned through amendment
at this time, but that will be used for the parks and handled within the mid -year
budget amendment.
Finance Director Riedel briefly explained the reductions to specified expenditures
within the Public Facilities Improvement Fund as discussed at the August 18,
2020 Workshop.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:30 P.M
VII. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC: HEARING FOR ORDINANCE
ADOPTION AT 6:30 P.M.
A. A motion was made by Council Member Jarriel to read proposed Ordinance
No. 1215 by title only [as provided in Exhibit 3]; seconded by Council Member
Keefe.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance Pilo. 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 Keefe moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1215
regarding Abandonment of Right -of -Way Petition No. 20-001-AC/SC;
seconded by Council Member Jarriel.
Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comment; there was none. Mr. Steve
Dobbs was in attendance on behalf of the Petitioner.
September 3, 2020, Regular Meeting & First Budget Public Hearing, Page 4 of 6
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.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Council Member Keefe moved to adopt proposed Resolution No. 2020-12,
extending the Local Public Health State of Emergency to October 1, 2020,
due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [as provided in Exhibit 4];
seconded by Council Member Jarriel.
Mayor Watford read proposed Resolution INJo. 2020-12 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 OCTOBER 1, 2020;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE." There was no discussion or public comment
offered.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
B. A motion was made by Council Member Abney to adopt proposed
Resolution No. 2020-13, authorizing the execution and acceptance of a
Lighting Maintenance Agreement with the Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) [as provided in Exhibit 5]; seconded by Council
Member Jarriel.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolution No. 2020-13 by title only as follows:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF A STATE
HIGHWAY LIGHTIING, MAINTENANCE AND COMPENSATION AGREEMENT WITH
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
Public Works Director Allen explained Agreement No. BEA32 FM No. 432726-1-
78-09 is actually for landscape maintenance on Parrott Avenue (U.S. Highway
441) and North Park Street (State Road 70). The initial term of the Agreement is
one-year with a three-year renewal.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
C. Motion by Council Member Jarriel and seconded by Council Member Keefe
to approve the recommended fine reductions requests by the Code
Enforcement Special Magistrate [as provided in Exhibit 6; Case No. 190712014
for property located at 1115 Southeast 10th Street; Legal: Lot 10, BRENTWOOD
ESTATES, Plat Book 7, Page 31, Okeechobee County, Florida public records,
from $1,150.00 to $115.00. Case No. 08-179 from $6,975.00 to $1,500.00, and
Case No. 190325007 from $900.00 to $180.00 plus a $50.00 administration fee
for a total of $230.00, for property located in the 700 block of Southeast 12th
Avenue; Legal: Lots 9 and 12 of Block 15, WRIGHTS FIRST ADDITION, Plat
Book 1, Page 13, Okeechobee County, Florida public records. Case No.
190626010 for property located at 903 Southeast 8th Avenue; Legal: Lot 25,
OKEECHOBEE E=STATES, Plat Book 3, Page 20, Okeechobee County, Florida
public records; from $9,775.00 to $2,932.50. The property owner is requesting to
pay an initial down payment of $500.00 and pay $200.00 per month until the
balance is paid in full]
There was no discussion or public comment on this item.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
September 3, 2020, Regular Meeting & First Budget Public Hearing, Page 5 of 6
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D. A motion was made by Council Member Jarriel to approve the Release of
Reservations for Lots 10, 11, 12, and a strip of land lying in Lots 13 and 14,
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE COMMERCE CENTER, Plat Book 7, Pages 10 to 14,
Okeechobee County, Florida public records, and issue an Estoppel Letter
regarding the Declaration [as provided in Exhibit 7]; seconded by Council
Member Keefe.
Attorney Fumero explained the landowner, LD Okeechobee Properties, LLC
acquired Lots 10, 11, and 12 in July 2004 from the City. In May 2004, the City
adopted the Declaration of Protective Covenants, Restrictions, Reservations,
Servitudes, and Easements affecting the Commerce Center to establish uniform
standards of development quality for light industrial, commercial, research, and
office parks. The Declaration also specifically addresses subsurface rights.
However, pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 270.11, there is an automatic
reservation of an undivided three fourths interest in all the phosphate, minerals,
and metals that are, or may be in, on, or under the property, as well as an
undivided one half interest in all of the petroleum that is or may be in, on, or under
the property. This puts a cloud on the title of the land owned by LD Okeechobee
Properties, LLC, whose attorney requested the release of reservation of
subsurface rights, and the estoppel letter regarding the Declaration from the City.
Attorney Fumero recommended granting the request.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and
Keefe. Nays -none. Motion Carried.
E. The purchase of bunker gear for the Fire Department in the amount of $17,351.04
from Municipal Equipment Services, Inc. was withdrawn from the agenda.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Jarriel reminded the citizens of the upcoming Labor Day festival and
parade in the Parks on September 7, 2020. Council Member Keefe congratulated
Council Member Clark and Council Member Elect Russ Cale on their unopposed
election. Council Member Clark provided a brief update on her brother's health and
thanked everyone for their prayers.
There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at
6:54 P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2020, at 6:00 P.M.
ATTEST
ko'
Lane Gamiotea, C -h C, City Clerk
Dowling R. Watford; Jr., 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.
September 3, 2020, Regular Meeting & First Budget ?ublic Hearing, Page 6 of 6
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