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DRAFT 2020-09-21 Minutes DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 1 of 8 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 21, 2020, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Monday, September 21, 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. 20-193 effective August 7, 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 Council Member Jarriel, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Council Member Clark. II. ATTENDANCE Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Council Members Wes Abney, Monica Clark, Bob Jarriel, Bobby Keefe, City Clerk Lane Gamiotea, and City Attorney John Fumero were in attendance. Department Heads in attendance: City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca, Police Chief Bob Peterson, Fire Chief Herb Smith, and Public Works Director David Allen. Additional support staff in attendance: Deputy City Clerk Bobbie Jenkins, General Services Coordinator Patty Burnette, Finance Director India Riedel, and 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 AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred, or withdrawn; Presentations and Proclamations Item A was deferred to the next meeting, and New Business Item F was added. B. Council Member Jarriel moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by Council Member Keefe. VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-none. Motion Carried. C. There were no agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues not on the agenda. IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS A. The Domestic Violence Prevention Month Proclamation was deferred to the October 6, 2020, meeting. V. CONSENT AGENDA A motion and second was made by Council Members Keefe and Clark to approve the consent agenda items A through E [September 3, 2020, Regular Meeting and First Budget Public Hearing minutes; August 2020 Warrant Register in the amounts: General Fund $477,417.29, Public Facilities Improvement Fund $46,141.42, and Capital Improvement Projects Fund $776.59, the complete list is incorporated within the official minute file; Renewal of Property and Casualty Insurance coverages with Public Risk Management with (an annual premium of $332,790.00, and) an effective date of October 1, 2020 (as provided in Exhibit 1); Contract for Services with CenturyLink for a Fiber and Enterprise Data Package (in the amount of $1,730.00 per month, as provided in Exhibit 2). Award Bid No. PW-03-11-08-20 2020 Sidewalk and Roadway Concrete Improvements to (the lowest bidder) Vest Concrete (in the amount of $88,137.50, with the budgeted amount being $90,000.00). DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 2 of 8 CONSENT AGENDA CONTINUED: $40,000.00 is allocated in Line Item 301-549-4609 Sidewalk Repair and ADA Ramp Installation, and $46,337.50 in Line Item 301-549-6300 Asphalt and Roadway Reconstruction/Sidewalk Program, noting that the remainder of the $90,000.00 Budget Line Item 301-549-6300 will be used for asphalt improvements, as provided in Exhibit 3. VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-none. Motion Carried. VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:05 P.M. A. Mayor Watford announced that the purpose of this Public Hearing is to consider the final 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 Clark moved to read proposed Ordinance No. 1216 by title only, levying a Millage Rate of 7.6018 on all real and tangible personal property for FY October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 [as provided in Exhibit 4]; 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 Clark moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1216; seconded by Council Member Jarriel. 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, setting the annual Budget for FY October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 [as provided in Exhibit 5]; 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, 2021; 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 Clark moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1217; seconded by Council Member Keefe. DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 3 of 8 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING ITEM D CONTINUED: Exhibit 5 contained a copy of the proposed Ordinance, as well as a one page summary and a 34 page document providing the details of the proposed Budget. 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 opened the floor for public comments ; there were none. Chief Peterson provided an explanation for the increase to the Police Department’s Budget. The executive salary line item increased approximate ly $45,000.00 in anticipation of his retirement payout; regular salaries increased as the Dispatchers’ salary and benefits were transferred from the Fire to the Police Department’s Budget, as well as Terisa Garcia’s anticipated retirement payout; the reimbursement of the three School Resource Officers’ salaries from the Okeechobee County School Board and Okeechobee Christian Academy , and the Code Enforcement fines and fees collections are shown as General Fund revenue instead of an expense reduction to the department Budget. The Council did not offer any discussion. VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-none. Motion Carried. MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:12 P.M VII. NEW BUSINESS A. A motion was offered by Council Member Jarriel to approve a purchase adjustment in the amount of $8,617.20 to C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. for road resurfacing overages [to the $85,000.00 approved February 18, 2020, as provided in Exhibit 6]; seconded by Council Member Clark. VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-none. Motion Carried. B. The primary purpose for the discussion of a resolution to mandate wastewater connections to the Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) within the City was due in part to the review of their Budget for FY 2020-21, as it did not include any proposed infrastructure improvements. DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 4 of 8 NEW BUSINESS ITEM B CONTINUED: Administrator MontesDeOca explained he and OUA Director John Hayford discussed the possibility of the City mandating connections to wastewater in lieu of septic tanks. The OUA has established a payment program to assist customers in paying the connection fees. There is a Florida State Statute requiring mandatory wastewater connections when infrastructure is available within 600-feet of a property, but is difficult for the OUA to enforce. Mr. Gary Ritter, who resides on Southwest 5th Avenue, addressed the Council and explained due to the high water table and flooding in the Southwest section, his daughters’ homes within this area are inhabitable due to not being able to flush toilets, take showers, wash clothes, or use water as their drain fields are not working properly causing the septic tanks to back up into their homes. Mr. Ritter has talked to multiple individuals who live in the Southwest section who would be willing to connect to OUA’s system. He also addressed the issues he has noticed that he feels is contributing to the drainage issues. He strongly urged the Council to consider mandating connections. Once septic tanks fail, the overflow becomes surface water that runs into Lake Okeechobee. Mr. Mack Worley briefly spoke about the individual costs associated with connections outside the City Limits. During the Council’s discussion pertaining to procedural guidelines for mandating connections, Representative Cary Pigman provided insight on questions asked at the State level when project funding is requested, which is “what are local governments doing for incentivized connections.” Mr. Noel Chandler provided insight on the discussion of mandatory connections when he was a member of the OUA Board of Directors in that the main issue was the cost to the customer. He added his yard on Southwest 7th Avenue is currently under water due to the high volume of rain. The discussion ensued. There was a consensus given by the Council for the Administrator and Attorney to begin working on creating the necessary document. Mayor Watford also instructed the Administrator to have the Public Works Department address the drainage issues in the Southwest section. C. Mayor Watford explained applications were received from Ms. Suzanne Bowen, Mr. Noel A. Chandler, Mr. Steve Dobbs, Mr. Jamie Gamiotea, Mr. Jeremy R. LaRue, Ms. Sandy Perry, Mr. Cary Pigman, Mr. Gary Ritter, Ms. Myranda Whirls, and Mr. Mack “Hoot” Worley for the Citizens Charter Review Advisory Committee (CCRAC) [as provided in Exhibit 7]. It was further explained that Resolution No. 2020-10 establishing the CCRAC, provides that each Council Member shall appoint one member, and the remaining three shall be appointed by consensus. City Clerk Gamiotea confirmed there were three applicants who did not meet the criteria set to be considered. Attorney Fumero established that a City employee serving on the CCRAC did not create a conflict of interest. Council Member Keefe suggested all who applied be appointed, as it was his opinion that all applicants would create a diverse CCRAC. The discussion then turned to the appointment of regular and alternate members. Attorney Fumero advised the type of appointments was at the discretion of the Council. After a brief deliberation, Council Member Keefe moved to appoint Ms. Bowen, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Dobbs, Mr. Gamiotea, Mr. R. LaRue, Ms. Perry, Mr. Pigman, Mr. Ritter, Ms. Whirls, and Mr. Worley as Regular members of the Citizens Charter Review Advisory Committee, and revise Resolution No. 2020-10 accordingly; seconded by Council Member Jarriel. Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comment; Ms. Bowen was available via Zoom and expressed her appreciation for the appointment. Others present in the Chambers were Mr. Gamiotea, Mr. Dobbs, Mr. Pigman, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Worley, Mr. Ritter, and Mr. LaRue. VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-none. Motion Carried. Note for clarification: After the meeting, additional information was provided and Mr. Dobbs was deemed ineligible to serve due to the dual office holding law. There will be nine members on this Committee. DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 5 of 8 D. Attorney Fumero provided an update on the Fire Services Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Okeechobee County. Due to the direction of the Council at the July 21, 2020 meeting, he and the County Attorney have collaborated on the development of the proposed ILA; a draft was provided in Exhibit 8. The ILA reflects terms and conditions that are generally acceptable to Okeechobee County, and is for five years. In exchange for the provision of fire services, the City shall pay the County an amount equal to the sum of the aggregate assessment of amounts for all properties lying within the City boundaries as calculated using the County’s current fire assessment fee structure. The City is also agreeing that any additional fee schedules adopted by the County in the future, shall be adopted and implemented in the City. The City will transfer ownership of the vehicles and other equipment listed in Exhibit C (to be created) to the County at no cost. It will also provide the County with exclusive access to the City Fire Station. However, the Station will not be used as a station for responding to calls but used strictly for storage purposes. The County will pay all utility bills associated with the Station. Quarterly written reports containing information about fire services in the City, as specified in the ILA, will be provided. The County will offer positions to City employees to be provided in Exhibit A, including rates of pay and rank. City employees may elect to transfer their pension to the Florida Retirement System offered by the County or may choose to stay with the City Pension Fund. The details of this option and the process is subject to review by City Pension Attorney (which will be provided in Exhibit B). All City employees hired by the County are subject to the International Association of Firefighters Union Local 2918 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the Okeechobee County Fire and Rescue. Those employees hired by the County will have to decide whethe r all or part of their annual and medical leave will be transferred to the County upon receipt of payment from the City equal to the value of the transferred annual and medical leave up to the maximum allowable hours under the County CBA or paid out . To assist in understanding the comparative compensation between the County and the City, the County prepared a spreadsheet (a copy was not provided with the online agenda packet, but was distributed at the meeting) which identifies projected compensation at the County over a three-year period. Administrator MontesDeOca met with the County Administrator to discuss and agree upon the underlying findings and analysis codified in the spreadsheet, ensuring there is an “apples to apples” comparison. The amounts in the spreadsheet are estimates, and are subject to change based on final decisions regarding the specific individuals who actually apply for, and obtain, positions with the County. The structure of the ILA contemplates that when the parties are ready to execute it, the County will have determined which employees it will hire. Currently there are seven open positions at the County Fire and Rescue, which are comprised of six paramedics and one inspector. According to the spreadsheet, Positions 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, and 12 are certified paramedics or are participating in paramedic school. Of those Positions, three will experience a net loss in salary over three years due to the difference in pay between the City and County, rank, and years of service structure. Position 5 is a Lieutenant with 17 years of service and projected to lose $28,387.52. Position 7 is a Captain with 12 years of service and projected to lose $17,657.64. Position 11 is a Lieutenant with 13 years of service and projected to lose $15,491.86. It was confirmed by the County Attorney that the City could not provide additional compensation to cover the calculated loss in salary through the County payroll system. This is due in part to the current CBA. It was also explained that a provision of Florida Statutes limits the amount paid to an individual upon separation of no more than a 20 week lump sum of the individual’s annual compensation. Should the Council agree to make a 20 week lump sum payment to these three positions, the difference in compensation is for approximately three and one-half years. DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 6 of 8 NEW BUSINESS ITEM D CONTINUED: Positions 2 and 4 are Firefighter/EMT’s and opted not to attend paramedic school. Position 8 was hired in June and just began paramedic school. At the September 11, 2020, Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, the BOCC approved to offer three temporary positions for non-certified paramedic City personnel. This would be a two-year holding spot to allow those to obtain their certification. Should the individual fail to meet the certification requirements at the end of the two -year period, they will be required to reimburse the County the cost of the program and be terminated. This option was provided on the premise the City would cover the personnel costs associated with the holding positions. Position 6 is a Lieutenant with 26 years of service and Position 9 has 28 years of service, both are in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan and could not attend paramedic school. Position 13 is a secretary with 20 years of service. None anticipate being accommodated but offered a 20 week lump sum payment. There was a discussion on the items needed to finalize the ILA, which are an effective date; length of time the County will be allowed to use the City Fire Station; and change payments from annual to quarterly. Exhibit A will be provided by the County; Exhibit B is a form to be provided by the City Pension Attorney for the election of pension transfer; and Exhibit C is an audit of all vehicles and equipment being transferred to the County. Fire Chief Smith confirmed that the Department employees have not been provided the necessary information to make an informed decision on transferring to the County. He also voiced his concerns of offering all employees the same severance payout, as tenure should be considered. The employees need to know what is offered for employment at the County, and what is offered should they decide not to apply at the County. Council Member Keefe moved to approve a 20 week lump sum payment to Positions 5, 7, and 11 should they elect to transfer to the County; seconded by Council Member Jarriel. Council Member Clark did not agree with the motion, as it is her opinion every employee should be entitled to a separation package, regardless of whether the employee decides to apply at the County. Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Josh Borgstrom, IAFF Local 2918 President, voiced his concern with both entities failing to consider impact bargaining, as each employee has to understand the options being offered. He also asked whether the Council has considered the possibility of some employees in the paramedic program not passing their certification. It was his recommendation to postpone decisions on the ILA until it is determined which employees become certified. City Fire Captain Lalo Rodriguez offered his appreciation for the suggested 20 week payment. He then reminded the Council that it was recommended previously to postpone action on the ILA until after September 30, 2021, when the CBA opens for negotiations. The Loca l 2918 would then be able to negotiate on behalf of the City Firefighters, with or without the paramedic certification, resulting in guaranteed positions and a reduce cost burden to the City taxpayers. He also noted on the upcoming County Fire Assessment Study, as this will determine the true contract price. Mr. Wes Williamson, representing the Economic Council of Okeechobee (ECOK), commended the Council on the continued discussions on this unpopular topic. The ECOK spoke in favor of the proposed ILA, but also agrees that each employee should be provided their options. Mr. Worley reminded the Council to consider the approximate annual savings of $600,000.00 to the taxpayers, that could be utilized elsewhere. Council Member Abney confirmed with Mr. Borgstrom and Captain Rodriguez that waiting to take action on the ILA in late 2021 would be better for the City, as it could be less in severance payouts due to the Union negotiating for the City Firefighters. DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 7 of 8 NEW BUSINESS ITEM D CONTINUED: The motion and second on the floor were withdrawn. Council Member Keefe made another motion, seconded by Council Member Jarriel, to approve a 20 week payout for all Fire Department employees. After a brief discussion, the motion and second on the floor were withdrawn. Council Member Clark then made a motion to direct staff to generate severance packages based on years of service with a maximum of 20 weeks for those who have a net loss for transfer; seconded by Council Member Jarriel. VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-none. Motion Carried. The Council then discussed the City funding the salary of the three Firefighter/EMT Positions 2, 4, and 8 for two years, should the County create temporary positions, while they attend paramedic school. Council Member Jarriel maintained his position of not funding the three positions, as they should have accepted the offer when it was made last year. Council Member Keefe did not support funding this due to the City not being able to recoup the costs should an individual not pass the paramedic certification after two years. Based on the outcome of the discussion, the three to two consensus of the Council was to provide the costs to fund the positions within Exhibit A. Council Member Clark made a motion to offer a one-year position to a non- accommodated employee (from Positions 6, 9, or 13 of the spreadsheet) to oversee the transition with the County after the effective date of the ILA; seconded by Council Member Abney. There was a brief discussion on this motion, and it was determined the Administrator would be tasked with hiring the individual to oversee the transition. VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, and Keefe. Nays-Council Member Jarriel. Motion Carried. Council Member Jarriel made a motion to approve the proposed ILA with the modifications as discussed: effective date of April 1, 2021, a two-year limit for use of the City Fire Station by the County, and change annual payments to quarterly; seconded by Council Member Keefe. Council Member Abney stated he could not support the proposed ILA without knowing what the true costs of the severance packages will be, as well as wanting more information on the possible savings with delaying the app roval until 2021. Council Member Clark expressed her disapproval as it was her opinion the proposed ILA still had updates to be included before she was ready to cast her vote. Attorney Fumero reiterated that Section 5 of the proposed ILA must include a list of employees that wish to obtain employment with the County, once the options available have been discussed with e ach employee individually. The County can finalize Exhibit A, once the information for the list is complete. Council Member Jarriel was steadfast on approving the proposed ILA as presented. VOTE: Ayes-Council Members Jarriel and Keefe. Nays-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney and Clark. Motion Failed. It was determined that the Administrator will have all items discussed finalized and on the October 6, 2020 agenda. Council Member Abney verified the options posed by Mr. Borgstrom and Captain Rodriguez would also be on the same agenda for discussion. E. Council Member Abney moved to adopt proposed Resolution No. 2020-14 extending the local health state of emergency due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to November 3, 2020 [as provided in Exhibit 9]; seconded by Council Member Clark. DRAFT September 21, 2020, Regular Meeting & Final Budget Public Hearing, Page 8 of 8 NEW BUSINESS ITEM E CONTINUED: Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolution No. 2020-14 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 NOVEMBER 3, 2020; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” VOTE: Ayes-Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-none. Motion Carried. F. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA. Administrator MontesDeOca explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for animal control services with Okeechobee County and Sheriff, will sunset on September 30, 2020 [as provided in Exhibit 10]. A MOU has been adopted by the County with the Sheriff's Office. In order for these services to continue to be provided to the City, a new MOU is required with the Sheriff's Office. After a brief discussion, the consensus of the Council was to move forward with negotiations of a new MOU with the County Sheriff’s Office for animal control services, as well as research alternative sources. The Council also requested the Administrator to email them the monthly animal control services reports provided from the County. VIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Keefe was provided an update on the Request For Qualifications for Professional Landscape Architect Services, which will be advertised in the September 23, 2020, Okeechobee News. Council Member Clark questioned whether the City was going to move forward with creating a separate citizen board for the revitalization of FLAGLER Park. Administrator MontesDeOca explained this project falls under the purview of the Design Review Board (DRB). After a brief discussion pertaining to the DRB’s responsibilities as the Planning Board/Board of Adjustments, the Administrator was tasked with ensuring the creation of a separate appointed committee be on the next meeting agenda. Council Member Clark provided a brief update on her brother, and thanked everyone for the continued prayers and best wishes. IX. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 8:24 P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor ATTEST: Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. City Clerk media are for the sole purpose of backup for official records of the Clerk.