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CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
CITIZENS CHARTER REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MAY 13, 2021
OFFICIAL MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Ritter called the regular meeting of the Citizens Charter Review Advisory
Committee (CCRAC) for the City of Okeechobee to order on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at
6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200,
Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was given by Member Chandler, followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance.
II. ATTENDANCE
The following CCRAC Members were present: Suzanne Bowen, Noel Chandler, Jamie
Gamiotea, Jeremy LaRue (entered the Chambers at 6:23 PM), Sandy Perry, Cary Pigman,
Gary Ritter, Myranda Whirls and Hoot Worley. Ex-Officio Memb�rs Marcos Montes De Oca
and Wes Abney, City Attorney John Fumero, Executive Assistant Robin Brock and General
Services Coordinator Patty Burnette were present as well.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Motion by Member Worley, seconded by Member Perry to adopt the agenda as
presented. Motion Carried Unanimously.
B. There were no comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues not on
the agenda.
IV. MINUTES
A. Motion by Member Worley, seconded by Member Pigman to dispense with the reading
and approve the April 22, 2021, Regular Meeting minutes. Motion Carried
Unanimously.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. After the April 22�d meeting, Attorney Fumero re-wrote Article 5 of the Model City Charter
to make it less complicated. C-5.3 was removed in its entirety. After discussing,
members noted one additional change. C-5.1 (c) amend the last sentence of the
paragraph to read as follows: The terms of the sitting officials shall be extended as
necessary to accomplish the election date revision made pursuant to this Section in
accordance with Section 2.3 of the Charter.
B. Members discussed Article 6 of the Model City Charter prepared by Attorney Fumero.
C-6.2, amend the reference to deleted section C-5.3. C-6.3, delete the second sentence
in its entirety. Amend fourth sentence to read, In addition, the Council may appoint by
majority vote any additional members to the charter review commission which have
submitted applications or letters of interest following public notice of such action.
C. Members discussed Article 7 of the Model City Charter. Attorney Fumero explained C-
7.2 Ethical Standards, is subject to the law and based on State Statutes. One cannot
vote on something that would benefit them. Must disclose this.
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CCRAC M�NUTEs, MAY 13, 2021. PAGE 1 OF 2
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V. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS CONTINUED
C. One may participate in discussion but cannot vote. Amend C-7.5 to reflect a super
majority. Amend C-7.6 to read as follows, In case of a conflict between the provisions of
this Charter and the provisions of the Code of Ordinances to be adopted pursuant
thereto, the Charter terms shall control. Moreover, nothing in this Charter shall be
construed to alter, abolish, affect, or amend the general laws of the State of Florida, now
in force, or which hereinafter may be enacted relative to or affecting this City. However,
where such laws are in direct conflict in which case the provisions of the general laws
of this State shall supersede and be in full force and effect. C-7.7 amend sexual
orientation or gender to sexual preference or gender identity.
D. Members discussed Article 8 of the Model City Charter. Attorney Fumero commented
this section lets one know the City is going through a transition period as once the
Charter is adopted there will be a huge project to have revisions made to the ordinances.
Consensus of the Committee was to have Attorney Fumero amend the paragraph to
have a few sentences instead of one.
E. Next agenda items will be to review and discuss the entire Charter which will include all
revisions to date and at the June 10t'' meeting continue the discussion regarding the City
Clerk's position, and who would be responsible for the appointment, supervision and
removal of their staff.
VI. ADJOURN MEETING
Chairperson Ritter adjourned the meeting at 7:08 P.M.
Submitted by:
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Patty M. Burnette
Approved on: ��-�. •.=�C'��1
Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Citizens
Charter Review Advisory Committee 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.
CCRAC MINUTES, MAY 13, 2021, PAGE 2 OF 2