2020-10-06 Handwritten Minutesw
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
:TOBER 6, 2020, REGULAR MEETING &
FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
DWRITTEN MINUTES BY LANE GAMIOTEA
I. GALL I U UKULK
Mayor Watford called the regular mee ing ofT a City -Council for—ie City of OTeechobee to
order on Tuesday, October 6, 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. 20-246 effective September 30, 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.
Th inyqqation was offered by followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by
bin 4-Ln
If. ATTENDANCE
- PRESENT ABSENT VIA ZOOM?
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr. 11
Council Member Wes Abney-- ..._.�.
Council Member Clark
Coufiidil Member Jarriel
Counciil Member Keefe
City Attorney John Fumero .
City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca
Police Chief Bob Peterson
Fire Chief Herb Smith
Public Works Director David Allen
City Clerk Lane Gamiotea
Executive Assistant Robin Brock
General Services Coordinator Patty Burnette
Finance Director India Riedel
Ifl. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
-= A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred, -----
or withdrawn; � � _�; �,- / , � f• ,4__ ��; if� � �(`�!� I�r���
B. Council Member moved to approve the agenda as presente mende
seconded by Council khember
Mayor Watford Council Members Abney L Clark----� , Jarriel ,
Keefe Motio arried/Denied. J
C. agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues
not on the agenda.
IV. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of October 2020 as "Domestic Violence
Prevention Month."
The document was accepted by Mr. --Jonathan Bean, Ms. Edna Malagon, and Ms.
Monica Taylor, and read into the record as follows:
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 1 of 6
IV P&P, A. CONTINUED
"Whereas, one in every four women will experience domestic violence during her
lifetime; and Whereas, victims should have help to find the compassion, comfort and
healing they need, and domestic abusers should be punished to the full extent of the
law; and Whereas, fleeing domestic violence has caused women and children to be
the fastest growing homeless population; and Whereas powerful partnerships exist
locally between the City of Okeechobee and Martha's House Domestic Violence
Services; and Whereas, the President of the United States and Congress as well as
other federal agencies have expressed a commitment to eliminating domestic
violence both nationally and internationally. Now Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford,
Jr., Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, hereby do proclaim October 2020 as `Domestic
Violence Awareness Month' in the City of Okeechobee in recognition of the important
work done by domestic violence programs and victims' service providers, and urge
all citizens to actively participate in the scheduled activities and programs sponsored
by Martha's House of Okeechobee and other community organizations to work
toward the elimination of personal and institutional violence against women and
irls."
11A
On behalf of the City, Mayor Watford presented Mr. Marcos Montes De Oca
with a Longevity Service Award and a framed certificate which read "In
recognition of your 5-years of service, hard work, and dedication to the
City, its citizens, and your fellow employees from October 1, 2015
through October 1, 2020." _
V. CONSENT AGENDA ,
A motion was made by Council Member 0approve the consent agenda items A
through B
[September 21, 2020, Regular meeting and Final Budget Public Hearing minutes; annual
renewal of the Letter of Understanding with CAS Governmental Services, LLC in the amount
of $18,000.00 for Legislative Services (as provided in Exhibit 1)]; seconded by -Council
Member
Mayor, .Watford 1 Council Members Abney , Clark.�k Jarriel,
Keefe. Moti arried/D Hied. - -- - —
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1 A. A motion was offered by Council Member to adopt proposed Resolution
No. 2020-15 regarding broadband access and affordability [as provided in Exhibit 2];
seconded by Council Member ,x
Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolution No. 2020-15 by title only as follows: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
URGING CONGRESS TO RECOGNIZE AND WORK TO ACHIEVE BROADBAND
ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY; SUPPORTING INCLUSION OF BROADBAND
INFRASTRUCTURE IN FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS; AND
AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CONTROL OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
SITING; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Mayor Watford r--_C_Quncil Members Abney, Clark
_
Keefe. Motio arried/ nied.
L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 2 of 6
JarrieILL,
_I
VI NB CONTINED -y�--
B. A motion was offered by Council Member _ 11 (t� to adopt proposed Resolution
.It No. 2020-16 recognizing Florid (i Government Week [as provided in Exhibit 3];
seconded by Council Member
Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolu on_No. 2020-16 by title only as follows- "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 'OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA;
RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF OCCTOBER 19 THROUGH 25, 2020, AS "FLORIDA CITY
GOVERNMENT WEEK" AND ENCOURAGING ALL FLORIDA CITY OFFICIALS TO
SUPPORT THIS CELEBRATION BY PARTICIPATING IN THE 'MY CITY: I'M PART OF IT, I'M PROUD OF IT!' ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Mayor Watford �° ,Council Members Abney Clark , Jarriel ,
Keefe- Mo#i as ri�nied.- - - - C. A motion was offered by Council Member to adopt proposed Resolution
No. 2020-17 regarding federal funding assistance to municipalities due to the
Coronavirus 2P19 (COVID-19) [as provided in Exhibit 4]; seconded by Council
Member L).
Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolution No. 2020-17 by title only as follows: "A ._,
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA,
REQUESTING THAT CONGRESS PASS LEGISLATION PROVIDING DIRECT FUNDING - -
ASSISTANCE TO ALL MUNICIPALITIES TO HELP MITIGATE EXPENDITURES AND
CURRENT AND FUTURE LOSSES AS A RESULT OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
(COVID-19) PANDEMIC; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Mayor Watford Council Members Abney Clark, Jarriel ,
Keefe Motio>arriea/Denied. -
D. A motion and second was -made by Council Members. and -
4 i� to adopt the proposed School Resource Officer (SRO) Ag 6�hent with Okeechobee
, County School Board [as provided in Exhibit 5].
I�
Scope of Services: for ten months as follows: Central Elementary School -One Officer, Freshman Campus -
One Officer.
The School Board and the City agree to share in the overall costs associated with the SRO Program.
Exceptions involve grant provisions for the next three years. It is agreed that the School Board will pay the
City $95,110 for the budget year 2020-2021. Payment shall be made in quarterly installments pursuant to
billing submitted to the School Board by the City. The amount funded will be negotiated each year prior to July
Is'. This payment will cover the two SROs provided by the City.
atford—_ V1, Council Members Abney V1 Clark t,, Jarriel- ,
Motiob Cirried/Denied. v
L:-da, miotea Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 3"of 6
VI NB CONTINUED
E. A motion was made by Council Member to adopt a Memorandum of
—� Understanding with Okeechobee County for Traflic Control Preemption [as provided
Q in Exhibit 6I; seconded by Council Member
Term: 8/1/20 to 7/31/21.
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Mayori" Watford Council em ers neyClark arrie ,
Keefe. Motion Carried/Denied. `
F. Discuss the formation of a Citizen Board for the Flagler Park Improvements.
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L. Gamiotea Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 4 of 6
��I MUM LNIL `AO "
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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
OCTOBER 6, 2020, REGULAR MEETING &
FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
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, October 6, 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. 20-246 effective September 30, 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 dw followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by
bk
II. ATTENDANCE
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Council Member Wes Abney
Council Member Clark
Council Member Jarriel
Council Member Keefe
City Attorney John Fumero
City Administrator Marcos MontesDeOca
Police Chief Bob Peterson
Fire Chief Herb Smith
Public Works Director David Allen
City Clerk Lane Gamiotea
Executive Assistant Robin Brock
General Services Coordinator Patty Burnette
Finance Director India Riedel
Major Donald Hagan
PRESENT ABSENT
VIA ZOOM?
Ill. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred, or
withdrawn; New Business Item VI.H, and New Business Item VI.I were added.
B. Council Member _bj moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by
Council Member bk
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. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of October 2020 as "Domestic Violence
Prevention Month." The document was accepted by Mr. Jonathan Bean, Ms. Edna
Malagon Director of Advocacy Services, and read into the record as follows: "Whereas,
one in every four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime; and
Whereas, victims should have help to find the compassion, comfort and healing they
need, and domestic abusers should be punished to the full extent of the law; and
Whereas, fleeing domestic violence has caused women and children to be the fastest
growing homeless population; and Whereas powerful partnerships exist locally between
the City of Okeechobee and Martha's House Domestic Violence Services; and Whereas,
the President of the United States and Congress as well as other federal agencies have
expressed a commitment to eliminating domestic violence both nationally and
internationally. Now Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor of the City of
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 1 of 9
Okeechobee, hereby do proclaim October 2020 as `Domestic Violence Awareness
Month' in the City of Okeechobee in recognition of the important work done by domestic
violence programs and victims' service providers, and urge all citizens to actively
participate in the scheduled activities and programs sponsored by Martha's House of
Okeechobee and other community organizations to work toward the elimination of
personal and institutional violence against women and girls."
Jonathan bean -Huss brown, Donald Hagan, and Jennifer ! ewksbury members of the Board.
100s of homes in okee that are unsafe because the man chooses to control and abuse, this
is a travesty, unified front to confront an end. Thank city for proclaiming this month as
domestic violence awareness month. Encourage you to take an extra minute to contemplate
what its like to be a victim of abuse in your own home. Invite you all to spend an hour of
walking in her shoes. Simulation of what its like in an abusive relationship. Walk a day in her
life. You will get to read her story and make the same choices and see the difficulty of the
outcome of those choices. So join us 10124 10 am to noon, Park 4, take about an hour. Draw
your attention to the website and facebook page with the upcoming events. 10116 steel drum
concert at 6pm in park 4.
B. On behalf of the City, Mayor Watford presented Mr. Marcos Montes De Oca with
a Longevity Service Award and a framed certificate which read "In recognition
of your 5-years of service, hard work, and dedication to the City, its citizens,
and your fellow employees from October 1, 2015 through October 1, 2020."
MDO-appreciate it, nice place to work, love my staff, work fantastically well together. Done a
lot in the last 5 years, bit off a lot, thank you to you guys and all the staff for supporting me.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Council Member _mc_ to approve the consent agenda items
A through B [September 21, 2020, Regular meeting and Final Budget Public Hearing minutes;
annual renewal of the Letter of Understanding with CAS Governmental Services, LLC in the
amount of $18,000.00 for Legislative Services (as provided in Exhibit 1)]; seconded by
Council Member wa
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
none. Motion Carried.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. A motion was offered by Council Member _bk to adopt proposed Resolution
No. 2020-15 regarding broadband access and affordability [as provided in Exhibit
2]; seconded by Council Member bj_.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolution No. 2020-15 by title only as follows: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
URGING CONGRESS TO RECOGNIZE AND WORK TO ACHIEVE BROADBAND ACCESS
AND AFFORDABILITY; SUPPORTING INCLUSION OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
IN FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS; AND AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR
LOCAL CONTROL OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE SITING; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
DW-let you know 3 resolutions follow flc recommendations. I know that BOCC Burroughs has
been very active in extending broadband.
No discussion on the motion.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
none. Motion Carried.
B. A motion was offered by Council Member _mc_ to adopt proposed Resolution
No. 2020-16 recognizing Florida City Government Week [as provided in Exhibit 3];
seconded by Council Member _bj_.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolution No. 2020-16 by title only as follows: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA;
RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 19 THROUGH 25, 2020, AS `FLORIDA CITY
GOVERNMENT WEEK' AND ENCOURAGING ALL FLORIDA CITY OFFICIALS TO
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 2 of 9
SUPPORT THIS CELEBRATION BY PARTICIPATING IN THE 'MY CITY: I'M PART OF IT,
I'M PROUD OF IT!' ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Discussion: none
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
none. Motion Carried.
C. A motion was offered by Council Member _BJ_ to adopt proposed Resolution
No. 2020-17 regarding federal funding assistance to municipalities due to the
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) [as provided in Exhibit 4]; seconded by Council
Member _bk_
Attorney Fumero read proposed Resolution No. 2020-17 by title only as follows: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA,
REQUESTING THAT CONGRESS PASS LEGISLATION PROVIDING DIRECT FUNDING
ASSISTANCE TO ALL MUNICIPALITIES TO HELP MITIGATE EXPENDITURES AND
CURRENT AND FUTURE LOSSES AS A RESULT OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
(COVID-19) PANDEMIC; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Discusson: none
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
none. Motion Carried.
D. A motion and second was made by Council Members _MC_ and _bk_ to adopt
the proposed School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement with Okeechobee
County School Board [as provided in Exhibit 5].
Scope of Services: An SRO Program is hereby established in the school system of
Okeechobee County, Florida for ten months as follows: Central Elementary School -One
Officer; Freshman Campus -One Officer.
The School Board and the City agree to share in the overall costs associated with the SRO
Program. Exceptions involve grant provisions for the next three years. It is agreed that the
School Board will pay the City $95,110 for the budget year 2020-2021. Payment shall be made
in quarterly installments pursuant to billing submitted to the School Board by the City. The
amount funded will be negotiated each year prior to July 1st. This payment will cover the two
SROs provided by the City.
Discussion: JF clarified the OCSB requested a last minute amendment to this agreement,
which I recommend we do not adopt "signing this agreement by perjury of law" regarding e-
verify. So in the 2020 legislative session S 448.095. do not think we should have a provision to
follow the law, certainly one that puts us under perjury.
BK-unnecessary addition in your opinionno
J F-yes
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
none. Motion Carried.
E. A motion was made by Council Member _bj_ to adopt a Memorandum of
Understanding with Okeechobee County for Traffic Preemption [as provided in
Exhibit 6]; seconded by Council Member _mc
MDO-this MOU has to do with the Opticom system that goes on the fire trucks in the city and
county. Equipment that changes the light when the trucks get close. Will go on all lights
in the city, county will be responsible for maintenance. Both City and County will utlizie
system, put in for 9th as well. Has been reviewed for legal sufficiency.
BK-specific language on mutual responsibilities. Has this already been ironed out, but ugh, so
such as I want to ask who's going to be trained. The city will have to have people trained
by the 3rd party vendor.
DA-myself, marvin and Willie have signal maintenance certificate. All of our people will be
trained in the basic troubleshooting of it, if its more complicated, we will put in a call.
MDO-this has already been approved by the county.
BK-so you'll have working knowledge of the system, who's responsible, appropriate staff.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 3 of 9
DA-opticom is new to us. I know the vendor who will be installing this, I've worked with them
before, excellent customer service. This is a FDOT cabinet and I wanted things spelled
out specifically.
BK-you're comfortable with this
DA_i wrote the criteria. Original was a one year agreement. Can't say it's airtight, even though
we are the maintaining agency, but this is the County's baby.
BK-thanks David.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
none. Motion Carried.
F. Discuss the formation of a Citizen Board for the Flagler Park Improvements.
MDO-we did have some discussion on bringing this up. I did have a discussion with the Clerk
to get some more information.
LG-just wanted to point out, I did not specifically find where the PB/BOA/DRB is required to
sit as the same person. Its at the Council's discretion. THE DRB has a ver broad scope,
definitely landscape development, buildings, and urban development. You can assign a
separate group of people to this board. I believe CM Clark brought up that City employees
and elected officials can not serve on this board if you use DRB.
BK-the DRB can you help me with municode. I see DRB...
LG-in Chapter 70, Citizens Boards, under 70-121 and that speaks to all Boardds until you get
to the specific boards. Does that help?
BK-under that section
LG-Division 9 is DRB, gives you the establishment and composition, prep of action plan for
city visual plan and improvement
BK-thank you for the guidance to that section. I actually have spoken with the Clerk earlier
this evening, and she had mentioned that we could, we've already got an agency we could
use instead of creating another entity. We can amend, comprise of whoever we see fit.
DW-give that task to the PB/BOA under the DRB
LG-or you can advertise for
WA_i would like to give an opportunity to set up a new board specifically for the park.
BJ-I agree
BK-I agree
MC-i agree
DW-I disagree, this creates another level and ugh we have appointed those people and I
think they are very confident and handle it well. Public will be able to input. I guess we need a
motion to form a board.
LG-I'm sorry, I misunderstand. I mean specific members assigned to the DRB
BK-at the last meeting, MC and I voiced our concern with the PB/BOA putting on the DRB hat
taking on this task, rather have different people involved However, instead of recreating the
wheel, we've already got the template in the code, and we could say use the DRB as the
agency to start using with the architect. And I think that DRB we can identify how we want to
feel those seats, how many, how do we feel it, as I say before this is such a large, impactful,
involved task to be limited to the PB/BOA. It should be community driven project. So I think
you know the options are, we do just like CCRAC, or we can say lets use DRB in the code as
a template, and utilize it in a sense that the temporary initial task would be working with the
architect, but also long term tasks to maintain those parks and anything that happens here on
out, carrying out approved design plans, may meet monthly, and then maybe quarterly or
semi-annually to maintain those parks.
DW-you want to take the board away from PB/BOA and assign different people. Take an
ordinance change?
LG-no sir, I can not find it in the minutes where the Council decided that the existing PB/BOA
could also sit as the DRB. Its not in the Code, just a directive.
DW-motion to task the DRB to advise on the Flagler Park Improvements and appoint
members to the Board.
MDO- 70-214 so they would meet just as much as PB/BOA from now on.
JF-so if you use the DRB template you have here, there is lots of flexibility, but one thing is
mandatory is that it shall consist of 7 members and 2 alternates, there's an array of
individivals that shall be appointed. Another one of the shall's of duties and they are broad. If
you use that template, it goes a long with baggage.
DW-separate committee
JF-limited subjective group, create a reolstuion, give it a task, and then it will sunset.
MC -motion to form a citizens board tasks to work with the architect for flagler park;
second by BJ.
DW-number of members?
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 4 of 9
Motion withdrawn
MC-7 members/2 alternates
Motion to amend 7 members/2 alternates County or City residents; second by BJ.
BK-I think its such a monumental task, I think we have a number of great stakeholders
interestd in this. I think that as a I mentioned a couple months ago, I think it should certainly
consist of a number of agencies who one, speaking on a financial aspect who have access to
grants, private money, fundraising, the more key stakeholders that are involved and working
on this, but flagler parks is okeechobee's as a whole. City rep, County, Parks & Rec, PW,
OUA, ECOK, Veterans Services Council. The stink that I saw come up about Park 1, OKMS,
Chamber of Commerce, STOF, Okee Historical Society, be difficult to have everybody
represented, but key stakeholders certainly should be on this committee.
DW-would it be better to have our committee or ex-oficio members, sub -committee for each
park,
BJ-get 9 people interested. They have to have an interest or they don't need to be on the
board.
DH-open it up to Okeechobee addresses.
WA-9 and 2 alternates
DW-wait until we see how many applicants we get.
Kevin w/WOKC-how long do people have to apply.
DW actually setting up committee tonight, then the next meeting will determine time line for
applications.
VOTE: Ayes- Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays-DW. Motion
Carried.
G. Consideration of Fire Services Interlocal Agreement with Okeechobee County.
JF-very quickly go over key points in the memo. No particular order, have a continuing
discussions with County pursuant to last discussion with Council. Here's where we are on the
process.
*a proposed new section added to agreement proposing at least 3 temporary positions
funded by the city through the county payroll system. Up to 3 employee positions, who may
enroll in paramedic training in the future. County working on those. One of the two issues is
#1-the number of temporary positions that Council, me #, willing to fund and the duration. Of
the 7 individuals who are currently in training, do not obtain certification, would they move
over to a temp position and given two years, or first dibs.
#2proposed commencement date changed from 4/1/21 to 6/1/21. Rationale: COVID-19 faced
challenges getting hospital and ambulance time. MDO spoke to college, now have access to
hospital, county has offered access to ambulances. Working with buffer because the way it's
written, the County SHALL hire 7 individuals.
#3timetable for execution; goal with all exhibits to have that document finalized on or before
10/13 so it will be placed on the 10/20 meeting for final consideration.
Internal city issue, the lump sum payments to be offered to FD Staff. MDO prepared two
charts.
MDO-Chief Smith met with everyone. All employees must have applications submitted by the
16tn
MC -the comment about the temp positions, #1 1 think we should have those positions, I think
the guys in paramedic school be given first opportunity if they don't pass the first time, for two
years.
HS-2"d testing opportunity given before having to take class again.
MC -the other 3 will have to be paramedics within 2 years or have to find another job.
DW-consensus good?
JF-yes that would be good.
WA -clarified how to assign staff, ok agree with three positions and two years
BJ-agree on 3, but only 1 year. IF there were only two who don't pass and take the other with
the most seniority to fill 3.
MC-i think it takes 2 years to fulfill requirements of school, based on scheduling. We've
already agreed to pay for 10 to go to school, but now the county will pay.
BJ-so if we give it two years, do you agree it goes to seniority
MC -yes, also if they have attrition, those people go into attrition and we don't pay for them.
The chances are pretty slim.
WA -that's why I brought attrition up originally.
BK-agrees with consensus
PAY FOR 3 POSITIONS FOR TWO YEARS, SENIORITY FOR NON -PARAMEDICS
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 5 of 9
MDO-they look to be wrapped up by February according to IRSC. Approximately 90 days to
schedule, take and find results.
COMMENCEMENT DATE JUNE 1, 2021
DW-understand the two charts, the difference is.....
MDO-FD kind of split with the number of years the employees have worked. Those over 10
automatically went to 20 years.
DW-I didn't understand any of it.
BK-this one gives everybody in 0-10 years gives 5 weeks,
DW_thank you, let me look at it for a minute.
MDO-difference between the two is about 15k, administration will be removed from
calculations.
DW-one week of services, alright giving everyone separation pay whether they go or don't
go.
BJ-option 2
MC -option 2
BK-option 2
WA -option 2
LUMP SUM PAYMENT option 2
WA -for the potential migration, does that go away?
MDO-yes,
DW-how long would we keep it, would he get separation?
MDO-no
DW-we are giving them something because we're giving away something. I don't think it's fair
because they're still going to be employed. He should receive severance as well. I don't think
its fair to give everyone else but one person.
DW-agree on option 2, do we want to agree on the migration administrator.
WA -pay
DW-same pay
WA-spearation?
DW-he won't give anything.
MC -we can make the decision whether to offer severance when he retires.
JF_we are also going to be amending the employee handbook that have severe limitations.
Will also give you a little more umph.
DW_answer enough to move forward
J F-yes
MC -ILA does not specify that its 6 paramedics and 1 inspector, right now it says 7
paramedics. Everything we've been presented, it's been 6 paramedics and 1 inspector.
JF-the initial ILA specified 6 paramedics and 1 inspector, over the negotiations its went into 7
paramedics, the inspector must be a paramedic.
MC -but the ILA specifies the salary for inspector is higher than paramedic.
WA -on your 9/21 minutes, under section d, the city is also agreeing there is an additional fee
schedule will be adopted.
JF-fee schedule for plan reviews, so basically the county says from time to time they may
amend it.
WA -is there a reason why it went from 6/1 to 7
JF-its never been a point of discussion, we're still talking about 7 paramedics.
WA -would that inspector have to have been a paramedic back then,
JF-3 or 4 months ago county implemented policy all new hires have to be paramedics. Im
only guessing but that may be why.
MC -so will that be put back into the agreement, do you all agree it should be put back in.
WA -I'd like it to be that way still
DW-I got a feeling its going to be a deal breaker for the county. I think they want paramedics.
WA -at least ask
JF-definitely inquire
MC -its part of what they gave to us.
JF-find out quickly and report back.
Lalo Rodriguez -from my conversation with Chief Franklin was that he is going to offer the
inspector position to his or our personnel, or whoever is qualified. That's what he told me last
Friday personally.
JF-will that person still be required to be a paramedic.
Lalo-to my understanding he does not, just plans review, etcc.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 6 of 9
MC -if im not mistaken, if you have EMT's who did not pass the test, they stay employed, but
3 to 4 months ago, they agreed all new hires had to be a paramedic. So theres no criteria in
the wording.
Lalo-suggestion to Chief Franklin, LT Hodges is in the drop why not allow him to be your
inspector and go that route and give him the opportunity, instead of going through the
paramedic.
JF-if that's what the chief wants, he needs to let the attorney and administrator know. If the
county went in that direcdtion, the council has no objection?
WA -what was your question.
JF-take 6 paramedics, the other person can be an EMT.
MC -that was the agreement from day one.
DW-I thin kthe best we can do is have him discuss that with the County attorney.
BJ-we shouldn't allow that to be a deal breaker.
DW-any other discussion?
WA_no one has talked about the letter we received from Josh Borgstrom. Anyone have any
comments on that?
MC -do we have an update on this? Where are we?
MDO-they're having a meeting this evening, that's all I know. Advertising and notifications
guidelines have to give 2 weeks notice.
DW-for the public, that was a letter sent to City Council IAFF Union 2918. READ INTO
RECORD. Apparently there's no interest in postponing this.
MC -ask Chief Smith, do you guys feel like you have an idea of where we are heading, and
what was the response talking to the guys.
HS-spoken with all individuals, actually 2 or 3 times, as I got more information and I spoke
with them about the numbers, they're fully aware of what I got. They are on board with most
of it, but we are still at that point where 3 or 4 guys getting hurt, going over in the negative.
They understand what was presented.
DW-they plan to go over to the county
MC -any more information from us?
HS-not that I a maware of. They are applying. One shift has already applied.
MC -have they done any ride alongs.
HS-yes
Lalo-2 hours in lab and 4 hours in hospital. Our guys feel we don't have an option, appreciate
what you're giving us and the two years to get everyone over there.
BK-were there any questions relevant to figures, employment, etc
HS-there may have been a couple of questions but finance director and mdo has taken care
of it. Whatever you can do as far as supplemet the individuals who are still behind. They
appreciate what you've done. I appreciate what you've done and what you're doing. WE
understand that there is a nee dto combine departments, but it could have been handled a
different way in the beginning. This has been a rough road for me, them, and their families.
Whatever you can do that's great. If we have any questions, I will definitely get them to the
administrator. The info is out there, we've talked. I feel everybody is going to apply. Its my
personal opinion.
DW-thank you chief.
H. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA. Council Member _bj_ moved to approve a 30-day
extension for the Centennial Park Restroom and Pavilion Improvements (Bid No.
PW ) to November 14, 2020 [as provided in Exhibit 7]; seconded
by Council Member _bk_
The construction delay is due to Florida Power & Light.
MDO-invited council to go down there, sod, covid, fpl. Take a look, we're there, ribbon cutting
real soon.
VOTE: Ayes -Mayor Watford, Council Members Abney, Clark, Jarriel, and Keefe. Nays -
none. Motion Carried.
I. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA. Discuss Town Hall Meeting.
DW-the Clerk reminded me recently that we would normally be scheduled for a daytime
meeting in October. We've had low attendance and huge advertising expense, clerk needs
direction whether we want to continue that, defer, Clerk suggested perhaps have coffee with
a council member. Report back at the next meeting. But we need direction.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 7 of 9
LG-daytime one was 2pm
BJ-its an opportunity for the residents to be heard, I know we're going thru some tough times
now, I really wouldn't have a problem skipping the October and having the march one, would
like to have the opportunity to answer questions in march.
MC -only concern with postponing the town hall, I think its really important that we hear from
our constituents about the charter review, fire, flagler parks. I don't mind waiting until March.
WA -can we not have it hear through zoom. We didn't have a good turnout.
BK-last one was in the afternoon here, correct?
LG-yes
BK-1 don't mind being present in this format in the afternoon. I imagine we would be able to
social distance.
MC -how about do it for 5 before the meeting on 10/21
Good with 5 pm on Nov. 5rn
VII. COUNCIL COMMENTS
WA -survey we got, think you for providing that.
BP -the figure that stands out is the amount of traffic on the back streets.
BJ-have we had more tickets issued based on this.
BP -in Sep. 529 stop, 305 warnings, 191 citations, 32 accidents, and 640 actual calls for
service in one month. That's about average.
BJ-think we had a good meeting tonight. Did we address the OUA hookups
MDO-waiting on a couple of items from their director, also have a draft of animal control at
the attorney.
BJ-complaints about water.
BK-since we recognized our adminstartor for 5 years, longevity service awards I want to
clarify what the attorney said. JF you mentioned revising the employee handbook. Is it going
to be bring those amounts with current trends. I think the dollar amounts are antiquated, add
inflation.
JF-we've only had a conceptual discussion with the City administrator, putting numbers in a
code is not a good idea, discretion given to council.
BK-also comment I think it would be appropriate, beneficial and appreciated, staff member
being recognized for their talents, career achievements, what they've brought to the city team
and residents as a whole.
DW-when we do regular employees, department heads give that information.
BK-thank you for the update on code enforcement memo that was sent out dated October 5'"
(get memo). Certainly need to stay on top of code enforcement. I think we need to continue
building on that drive. Like to see the number of cases here, there's 4 pending in circuit court,
but then there's 5 waiting on city's approval to file complaint. I don't know if that means
JF-this was an update on al Ithe cases, we are in regular contact with the chief. Some of
these have been put on hold because some of the owners have past away. Nothing is
holding up, its just getting the time to do each of these.
BK-those 3 cases, trying to find an heir, are those properties currently in compliance, out of
compliance, what can we do in the mean time, clean up the property, add the costs to the
lien, instead of allowing neighbors to be surrounded by overgrowth, can we take care of it.
BP-theres a certain point when the CE issue becomes a legal issue, the cases we're
discussing is where we're at. There aren't any to keep up to code.
BK-im speaking to the 3 cases that the owners have passed.
BP -that's a legal issue. What we're doing now is trying to catch up on old cases.
DW-why don't we ask the CE officer to inspect these properties, I think we can declare it a
public nuisance and have it cleaned up and add the costs to the lien. We need to know how
bad they are.
J F-correct.
DW-code officer inspect those 3 and let the administrator know, if it has to come to us for
authorization to declare public nuisance. Have a report on that the next meeting.
MC -only have one item. I understand one of the potential members of the Charter Committee
could not be a member due to conflict. I'd like to recommend that Wes Abney take his place.
think you would be a very valuable member of the CCRAC.
DW-refer to attorney
JF-make him an ex-officio member and then in January make him a voting member.
DW-1 think that's an excellent idea. However, there's some point where we have to say this is
the committee. We can't set precedent.
WA -were there any other applications.
DW-no, do you see my dilemma.
WA-1 understand
MC-i think we already agreed its 10 members.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 8 of 9
JF-put on agenda for the next meeting.
VIII. There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at
7:48 P.M. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2020, at 6:00 P.M.
B. Jenkins Handwritten Minutes, October 6, 2020, Page 9 of 9