2022-01-18 Handwritten MinutesJANUARY 18, 2022, REGULAR MEETING
LANE GAMIOTEA HANDWRITTEN MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of
Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at (>'.IP.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55
Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida.
The invocation was offered by �, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by
II. ATTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Gamiotea to establish a quorurr
PRESENT ABSENT
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Council Member Chandler
Council Member Clark
Council Member Jarriel
Council Member Keefe
Staff present were:
City Attorney John Fumero
City Administrator Gary Ritter
Assistant Police Chief Donald Hagan
Public Works Director David Allen
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III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked
withdrawn.
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City Clerk Lane Gamiotea
Deputy Clerk Rose Torres
Fire Chief Herb Smith
Finance Director India Rie
whethE�r there were any agenda items to
Motion by Council Member seconded
approve the agenda as preseinted/amended.
VOTE: Chandler, Clark „ Jarrie, Kee
Motio arr a /Fail
C. There were _ agenda item forms
participation for any issues not on the agenda.
by Council Member
or comment cards submitted for public
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Present a Five- Year Longevity Service Award to Brandon Griesemer, Police Department.
Mr. Brandon Griesemer was recognized by Major Watford and Chief Hagan for his years of
service. He was presented with an engraved cross pen and a framed certificate, which read "In
Recognition of your 5 Years of Service, Hardwork, and Dedication to the City, it's citizens and your
fellow employees from January 4, 201*7 through January 4, 2022".
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 1 of 10
V. CONSENT AGENDA------�....�_-.-�--- _
Motion by Council Member,_, seconded by Council Member ` � � to:
A. approve the Minutes for the December 21, 2021, regular meeting.
B. Approve the Warrant Register for December 2021 [Warrant Register in the amounts of: General
Fund: $517,107.37; Public Facilities Improvement Fund: $14,196.40; and Capital Improvement
Projects Fund $13,361.72].
VOTE: Char ,dler Clark, Jarriel, Keefe, Watford.
Motio Carrie axle
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VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENEID THE PUBLIC HEARING AT �' M P.M. _
A. Motion by Council Member _(II�'V_l , Seconded by Council Member 6-to read by
title only, proposed Ordinance No.1231, closing the alleyway in Block 110, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
[Plat Book 5 page 5, Okeechobee County public records] Abandonment of Right -of -Way Petition
No. 21-001-AC [as presented in Exhibit 1]
VOTE: Chandler, Clark, Jarriel�, Keefe, Watford.
Motion are Fai d
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City Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1231 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 ALLEYWAY LYING WITHIN BLOCK 110,
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK
5, PAGE 5, PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA (PETITION NO. 21-001-
AC); RESERVING UNTO THE CITY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS A NON-EXCLUSIVE
EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES PURPOSES; 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." -
Motion by Council Member_ seconded by Council Member to postpone
the adoption of proposed Ordinance No.1231 to March 15, 2022.
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VOTE: Chandler , Clark . Jarriel , Keefe , Watford L
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Motion afire IFa' d
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 3 of 10 -
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B. Motion by Council Member 104 - seconded by Council Member %in( to read
by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1232, closing the alleyway in Block 121, CITY OF
OKEECHOBEE, [Plat Book 5 page 5, Okeechobee County public records] Abandonment of Right -
of -Way Petition No. 21-002-AC [as presented in Exhibit 21.
VOTE: C dler , Clark„ Jarriel�, Keefe, Watford.
Motion arr' Faile J
City Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1232 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 ALLEYWAY LYING WITHIN BLOCK 121,
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK
5, PAGE 5, PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA (PETITION NO. 21-002-
AC); RESERVING UNTO THE CITY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS A NON-EXCLUSIVE
EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES PURPOSES; 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."
Motion by Council Member _, seconded by Council Member ML to postpone
the adoption of proposed Ordinanc o. 1232 to March 15, 2022.
Chandler Clark "�, Jarriel Keefe, Watford. Motion
��iedla�d
a
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 4 of 10 ---
C.
Motion by Council Member M / , seconded by Council Member to read by
title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1247, amending the Code of Ordina es Chapter 30,
Nuisances to provide for Code Enforcement procedure to demolition blighted and dangerous
structure [as presented in exhibit 3].
VOTE: Ch ler-, Clark , Jarriel , Keefe , Watford _
Motion 1arrie Failed.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1247 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF--OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA RELATING TO THE
DEMOLITION OF BLIGHTED STRUCTURES; AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 30, ARTICLE II "NUISANCE" BY SPECIFICALLY AMENDING
SECTION 30-31 "DEFINITIONS"; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SECTION 30-43 "PUBLIC
NUISANCES"; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SECTION 30-74 "RESERVED"; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; PROVIDINGFOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN_ CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FORAN EFF CTIVE
DATE; ANDIOR OTHER PURPOSES." __ I
VaTF- Chandler, Clark L Jarriel U , —Keefe ;--W
:arried ailed
MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT Lj P4
Handwritten Minites, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 5 of 10
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VII. NEW BUINESS
A. An update on OUA projects.
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IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE 14
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Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 9 of 10
X. COUNCIL COMMENTS
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XI. ADJOURN MEETING
There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at T
P.M.
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 10 of 10
JANUARY 18, 2022, REGULAR MEETING
ROSE TORRES HANDWRITTEN MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on
Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 6—P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast 3rd
Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida.
The invocation was offered by Watford, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Clark.
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II. ATTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Gamiotea to establish a quorum:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr. _h_
Council Member Chandler h
Council Member Clark
Council Member Jarriel h
Council Member Keefe h
Staff present were:
City Attorney John Fumero
City Administrator Gary Ritter
Assistant Police Chief Donald Hagan
Public Works Director David Allen
Planner Jim LaRue
Burnette
City Clerk Lane Gamiotea
Deputy Clerk Rose Torres
Fire Chief Herb Smith
Finance Director India Riedel
General Services Coord. Patty
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred, or
withdrawn.
Ritter > Add new business update on church new item C
B. Motion by Council Member _ bk , seconded by Council Member _mc
to approve the agenda as presented/amended.
VOTE: Chandler_i , Clark_i__, Jarriel_i , Keefe_i , Watford_i_.
Motion Carried/Failed.
C. There were 0 agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public
participation for any issues riot on the agenda.
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Present a Five- Year Longevity Service Award to Brandon Griesemer, Police Department.
Mr. Brandon Griesemer was recognized by Major Watford and Chief Hagan for his years of
service. He was presented with an eigraved cross pen and a framed certificate, which read "In
Recognition of your 5 Years of Service, Hardwork, and Dedication to the City, it's citizens and your
fellow employees from January 4, 2017, through January 4, 2022".
Chief Hagan introduced BG> a history on his job, from school to city police, biggest hear on
looking out for people and caring for people. One day a mother and children didn't have a place to
stay and him and a dispatcher brought their funds together to give her a place to sleep that night.
Mayor read the following> Congratulations for the service
BG introduced his family, Wife and child, following with sister and brother-in-law.
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 1 of 5
V. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Council Member BJ, seconded by Council Member MC to:
A. approve the Minutes for the December 21, 2021, regular meeting.
B. Approve the Warrant Register for December 2021 [Warrant Register in the amounts of: General
Fund: $517,107.37; Public Facilities Improvement Fund: $14,196.40; and Capital Improvement
Projects Fund $13,361.72].
i
VOTE: Chandler-i_, Clark i_, Jarriel i_, Keefe_i , Watford_i
Motion Carried/Failed
VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:09 P.M.
A. Motion by Council Member _MC , Seconded by Council Member BK to
read by title only, proposed Ordinance No.1231, closing the alleyway in Block 110, CITY OF
OKEECHOBEE, [Plat Book 5 page 5, Okeechobee County public records] Abandonment of Right -
of -Way Petition No. 21-001-AC [as presented in Exhibit 1]
VOTE: Chandler_i , Clark i, Jarriel i_, Keefe ,i Watford_i
Motion Carried/Failed
City Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1231 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 ALLEYWAY LYING WITHIN BLOCK 110,
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK
5, PAGE 5, PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA (PETITION NO. 21-001-
AC); RESERVING UNTO THE CITY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS A NON-EXCLUSIVE
EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES PURPOSES; 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."
Motion by Council Member _BK , seconded by Council Member BJ to
postpone the adoption of proposed Ordinance No.1231 to March 15, 2022.
Applicant Frank Mitchell stevens, midbook way BOCARATON,
Print out on what he has in mind, on the ideas, and will take that to the planning board, the urgency
to do this is because of the agriculture that has been done, total of 44 units, would like to talk about
it, Would like for their support
Mayor: please explain
2017 president support. Capital gains will, software background will take proceeds and take it into
this. Benefits of the 10-year process can sell within the 10 years without taking any capital gains.
Already in 14 months from the 30-month period from to canal, that has this opportunity. Mayor
thank you for coming
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 2 of 5
VOTE: Chandler_i_, Clark_i__, Jarriel_i_, Keefe_i_, Watford_i_.
Motion Carried/Failed
B. Motion by Council Member __BK seconded by Council Member MC
to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1232, closing the alleyway in Block 121, CITY OF
OKEECHOBEE, [Plat Book 5 page 5, Okeechobee County public records] Abandonment of Right -
of -Way Petition No. 21-002-AC [as presented in Exhibit 2].
VOTE: Chandler_i_, Clark _i_, Jarriel_i , Keefe_i_, Watford i.
Motion Carried/Failed.
City Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1232 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 ALLEYWAY LYING WITHIN BLOCK 121,
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK
5, PAGE 5, PUBLIC RECORDS OF OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA (PETITION NO.21-002-
AC); RESERVING UNTO THE CITY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS A NON-EXCLUSIVE
EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES PURPOSES; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD
THE ORDINANCE IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND
FOR OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, F_ORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion by Council Member 13J , seconded by Council Member MC_ to
postpone the adoption of proposed Ordinance No. 1232 to March 15, 2022.
VOTE: Chandler_i , Clark__i_, Jarriel_i , Keefe_i_, Watford_i_. Motion
Carried/Failed
C. Motion by Council Member _MC , seconded by Council Member _BJ to
read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1247, amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter
30, Nuisances to provide for Code Enforcement procedure to demolition blighted and dangerous
structure [as presented in exhibit 3].
VOTE: Chandler_i_, Clark__i_, Jarriel_i , Keefe_i_, Watford_i
Motion Carried/Failed.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1247 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA RELATING TO THE
DEMOLITION OF BLIGHTED STRUCTURES; AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 30, ARTICLE II "NUISANCE" BY SPECIFICALLY AMENDING
SECTION 30-31 "DEFINITIONS"; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SECTION 30-43 "PUBLIC
NUISANCES"; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SECTION 30-74 "RESERVED"; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Motion MC second BK
VOTE: Chandler_i , Clark__i_, Jarriel i_, Keefe_i_, Watford_i_. Motion
Carried/Failed
MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P. M.
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 3 of 5
VII. NEW BUINESS
A. An update on OUA projects.
Bob greisman > chairman of the OUA project update five years ago of algae break, made the decision to
make the plan on expanding>
John Haford > OUA state appropriation thankful for the state sent letters, started with SOUTHWEST service
and broke up in three projects,
Building mater pump in project 1
Project 2 collections system dixie to oak park
3 connecting to Okee-tantie
Project 3 collecting bass pro= connecting from project 1
SW service 28 mil dollars, USCA master pump station> early summer lots of work ahead
SW 5th Ave preliminary how to service this area, moving forward how to design and find funding from loans
or grants.
NC - End of SW 5 part have sewer?
Red > currently sewer and what is not sewer.
MC- asked a question
Mayor Watford, smaller line to the sewer
JH> SEP or lower grinder system,
JH>2 problems
1 loss of power no sewage
2 many replacements
For instance, 100 homes cap cost is lots less, gravity sewer will give report from February meeting to go
forward, suggest from Pat, to that has no sewer. Must have this document to begin.
MW — do you have others
JH- yes USDA timeline on how the project will take place. Treasure island septic plan planning to get with
_. West of Taylor creek has sewer and other side doesn't can test both locations because of this. Not too
many otters or other animals that will interfere with reports. About 2/3 funding will pursue the rest 23 mil for
the project. Lots going on very busy with projects>DW lots of projects
JH we would be providing the services, will have the option to build they must plan according, have meeting
with developer, asked him for how many units
DW: has another question the boiling water notice, why wasn't I informed via phone calls, certain
regulations on how to communicate with everyone, cannot determine when it was lifted.
JH to air on the best side is to call before it happens, boil water notices you're on notice until the resided
resection notices 48 hours or longer
FB post grabbing notice
MC has many boiling notices but not the send a call or notice,
Call will go to the phone sometimes the calls won't go through incase the voicemails are automatic
Chlorine twice a month
B. A discission pending legislation.
Bills senate 620, and
If passes an ordinance and it affects their business, the business can sue the city for the financial damages,
Two bill that are support _ and _ smoking in public places. Secondhand smoking send an letter
opposing the bill.
Send to the leadership legislature
JF been around for years.
MOTION by BK second BJ
To send letters opposing the bills
Motion every one I
CARRIED
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 4 of 5
ITEM ADDED
C. Church up for auction on Thursday, there's procedures on this process,
India> attended online zoom c asses> tax collector, city of Okeechobee has bid number, must
submit 10% of bid, cashier's check not city check plus 1,000 for accidental fess,
JF> GV attended the class> willing to pay up to 100,000 one doesn't have the list saying someone
else will put. 100 min and max 10%,
MIN opening bid
JF> Must have the bidding number, and deposit zero downside on proxy number,
India> once they know the winning bidder, submit deposit Wednesday, bid on Thursday, final on
Friday
VIII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
No updates at this time
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Recall come up with a 5-year plan process working with staff and attorney please keep an eye out
on your email will be receiving that soon.
Infostructure improvements 2/15 bring back selection
Next council meeting commerce parx> contact surveying and design and permits
1/24. Flagger Park things will go up, getting started PHIL done with the survey and is leveled and
ready. Community getting behind that, bring back for remainder of the parks.
DW Commissioner Broughs
Ritter> city hall request
Storm water looking favorable. Commissioner
X. COUNCIL COMMENTS
NC- glad to be here
BJ spoken to many people about the town hall meeting, have been hearing it on the radio.
Been handing out the flyers hoping for a good turnout,
BK- thank you for the home rule, emailed Ritter and Fumero on the smoking bill,
To ADMIN last week veterans park qun> any update?
Ritter- gun that was mounted on top, rusting underneath, falling through? Nothing was welded
together,
NC- will take it apart set it on concrete,
DW -Greg had surgery which postpcned the project
NC- will add tent and do it in house
MC- none
BJ —keep judge on prayers
XI. ADJOURN MEETING
There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting 7:06 P.M.
Handwritten Minutes, 1-18-2022 reg mtg, Page 5 of 5