Letter to R. Siwica from City (3/26/2021)LAW OFFICES OF
Carmen Rodriguez, P.A.
PALMETTO BAY CENTRE
15715 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, SUITE 411
PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA 33157-1884
TELEPHONE: (305) 254-6101 FACSIMILE: (305) 254-6048
BROWARD LINE: (954) 578-0940
EMAIL: CRPA@CRLABORLAWFIRM.COM
WWW.CRLABORLAWFIRM.COM
Carmen Rodriguez
Caroline Sand
Erica Pope Florida Registered Paralegal
Kim Rivera
March 26, 2021
(via email)
Richard Siwica, Esquire
Egan, Lev & Siwica, P.A.
Post Office Box 2231
Orlando, Florida 32802-2231
Re: Interlocal Agreement between Okeechobee County and
the City of Okeechobee for Fire Services
Dear Mr. Siwica:
This firm represents the City of Okeechobee on certain labor matters. Your letter of March
16th to the City Attorney has been referred to us for response.
The City denies that it has violated any contract terms or that it has taken any action that
would constitute any violation of the Public Employees Relations Act. Moreover, Local 2918 has
been on notice of the City’s intended cessation of fire services and of the Interlocal Agreement with
Okeechobee County going back to at least May 2020 and has been privy to discussions and notices
relating thereto during that period of time to the present. The City is not a joint employer with the
County and there is no Collective Bargaining Agreement designating the City as a joint employer
with the County for any purpose, including for purposes of fire personnel.
As you should be aware, Article 23 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City
and Local 2918 specifically contemplates the cessation of fire services by the City precisely under
the circumstances here. The City fully complied with Article 23 and gave written notice to the
Union, which was in addition to previous written communications and discussions on the issue
relating to the terms of the Interlocal Agreement. In the almost one year that this Interlocal
Agreement has been discussed, developed and approved with the full knowledge and participation
of the Union, no grievance was filed and no notice was received of any alleged violations or request
to bargain. The City has acted perfectly consistent with its rights and duties and your correspondence
Richard Siwica, Esquire
March 26, 2021
Page 2
to the contrary is without merit and, at this juncture, untimely.
That being said, we are happy to discuss the current status and time line, just as those issues
have been previously discussed with the Union President and affected employees.
Very truly yours,
s/Carmen Rodriguez
Carmen Rodriguez
CR:kar
cc: John J. Fumero, City Attorney