2022-03-15 Handwritten Minutesis, , -
MARCH 15, 2022, REGULAR MEETING
ROSE TORRES HANDWRITTEN MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
layor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to
rder on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at (" --P.M. in the City Council Chambers,
)cated at 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. J
'he invocation was offered by ; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by
kTTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Gamiotea to establish a quorum:
�..pRESENT ABSENT w
layor Dowling R. Watford, Jr.a_
;ouncil Member Chandler
;ouncil Member Clark `
;ouncil Member Jarriel
;ouncil Member Keefe
staff present were:
;ity Attorney Greg Hyden Deputy Clerk Rose Torres
;ity Administrator Gary Ritter Qdmin Sec Merydian Causier
'olice Chief Donald Hagan Fire Chief Herb SmitHAV,
'ublic Works Director David Allen Finance Director India Riedel
'fanner Jim LaRue General Ser Coord. Patty
- Burnette
PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred, or
withdrawn.
— -- B. Motion and second by Council Members Ce GS " and to approve the
agenda as presented/amended.
VOTE: C ler , Clark , Jarriel , Keefe �` , Watford
Motion Carrie /Failed.
C. There were i agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public
participation for any issues not on the agenda.
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Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 1 of 12
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IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion and second by Council Members and to:
A. [Dispense with the reading and] approve the Minutes for the March 1, 2022, [as presented].
B. Approve the Warrant Register for February 2022 [in the amounts: General Fund $403,169.78;
Public Facilities Improvement Fund, $19,646.57; and Capital Improvement Projects Fund
$3,621.02 as presented].
VOTE: Chandler Clark Jarriel Keefe Watford
Motion (Carried/Failed
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Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg rntg, Page 2 of 12
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PLANNING AND ZONING
A. Motion and second by Council Members �� and IJ� to read by title only
and adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1249, regarding Petition No. 22-001-R, rezoning Blocks 110 and
121, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book 5, Page 5, Okeechobee County public records; 3.9+/-
acres from Heavy Commercial to Residential Multiple Family, submitted by property owner F. Mitch
Stephens/Glenwood Park, LLC. The vacant property is located between NE 2nd to 3rd Avenues and
3rd to 5th Streets, the proposed use multi -family structures. Planning Board recommends approval
(Exhibit 1).
VOTE: Chandler , Clark , Jarriel r , Keefe , Watford "
Motion Carried/Failed
City Attorney John Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1249 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENCING THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM HEAVY COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL
MULTIPLE FAMILY, PETITION NO. 22-001-R; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members and to adopt proposed
Ordinance No. 1249.
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VOTE: Cher , Clark f , Jarriel _ , Keefe �� , Watford -I---: ---
)tion arrie /Failed
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Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 3 of 12
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V. PLANNING AND ZONING CONTINUED —`
B. Motion and second by Council Members and Kb to read by title
only, and set April 5, 2022, as the final Public Hearing date for proposed Ordinance No. 1245,
regarding Petition No. 22-002-R, rezoning a total of 54.8+/- unplatted acres from Holding and
Residential Mobile Home to Heavy Commercial (16.8+/- acres) and Residential Multiple Family
. (38.0+/- acres), submitted by property owner Gad Reggev/Blue Springs Holdings LLC. The vacant _
property is located in the NE section of the City boundaries, situated East of Taylor Creek, South of
the railroad track, West of the NE City Limits (North 13th Avenue), and surrounds River Run Phase
2 subdivision to the North, East, and South. The proposed use is a multi -family residential community
and household storage facility (Exhibit 2). 1 st reading. Quasi -Judicial:
i AttorneyFumero read proposed Ordinance No.1249 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
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THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL_ ZONING MAP OF THE CITY
OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM HOLDING AND RESIDENTIAL MOBILE HOME (RMH) TO HEAVY
COMMERCIAL (CHV) AND RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY (RMF), PETITION NO. 22-002-R;
i AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members and �� CJ to approve the first
reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1245 and set April 5, 2022, as the Final Public Hearing.
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VOTE: Chandler , Clark_, , Jarriel , Keefe , Watford
Motion Carried/Failed
rHandwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 4 of 12
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V. PLANNING AND ZONING CONTINUED
C. Motion and second by Council Members and _ �''f`�' to read by title only,
for proposed Ordinance No. 1246 regarding Petition No. 21-006-R, rezoning Lots 23-24 of Block 3,
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book 5, Page 5, Okeechobee County public records, 0.4+4 acres
from Residential Multiple Family to Heavy Commercial, submitted by property owner Muhammad
Nooruddin. The vacant property is located at 204 NW 13th Street, the proposed use is a storage
facility (Exhibit 3). 1st reading. Quasi -Judicial:
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1246—by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY
OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY (RMF) TO HEAVY
COMMERCIAL (CHV), PETITION NO.21-006-R; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABIL.ITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members f and JK.i _to approve the first reading
of proposed Ordinance No. 1246 and set April 5, 2022 as the Final Public Hearing.
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VOTE: Chandler ' , Clark ti' , Jarriel i? , Keefe ( , Watford ! G
Motion Ca�dlFailed
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 5 of 12
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PEQWp MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT
7 P.M. A. Motion and second by Council Members OlL• and _ _ to adopt 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,
postponed from the January 18, 2022, final Public Hearing. Planning Board recommends approval
(Exhibit ,z i /, 1�t -�- t � —i . i—�`''"' �.
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ttorney_Fumen read proposed Ordinance No.1231 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
HE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; VACATING AND ABANDONING CERTAIN RIGHTS -OF -
(AY BEING AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF AN ALLEYWAY LYING WITHIN BLOCK 110, CITY
F OKEECHOBEE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5,
AGE 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
I SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members rVL(, and S J to adopt proposed
Ordinance No. 1231.
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VOTE: Char ler , Clark ° , Jarriel i , Keefe i , Watford
1 Motion (arri Oailed
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 6 of 12
VI. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
B. Motion and second by Council Members r % and Y� `�� to adopt proposed
Ordinance No. 1232, closing the alleyway in Block 121, CITYOF OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book 5, Page
5, Okeechobee County public records; Abandonment -of Right -of -Way Petition No. 21-002-AC,
postponed from the January 18, 2022, final Public Hearing. Planning Board recommends approval
(Exhibit 5). -
k 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 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 and second by Council Members h C , and CY i- to adopt proposed
Ordinance No. 1232. / /}
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VOTE: Chandler E , Clark , Jarriel , Keefe 0 Waffora
Motion. Carried/Failed
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 7 of 12
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
Motion and second by Council Members and _ to read by title only
adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1250, updating the Capital Improvements 5-Year Schedule
iin the Comprehensive Plan. Local Planning Agency recommends approval (Exhibit 6).
�rney Fumero-read proposed Ordinance No.1250 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; UPDATING THE FIVE-YEAR SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL
'ROVEMENTS OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS MANDATED BY FLORIDA
JUTES SECTION 163.3177(3)(b); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, PROVIDING FOR
/ERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
ion and second by Council Members C�` and
urainance No. 1250.
tr 1 to adopt proposed
I VOTE: Chandler t , Clark c , Jarriel I , Keefer_, W'atfordl_.
Motion Carried/Failed
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 3 of 12
VI1. NEW BUSINESS ---
A. Motion and second by Council Members` tl'C and to adopt proposed
Resolution No. 2022-02 for authorization to implement a Florida Boating Improvement Program
(. Grant (Exhibit 7).
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY TO MAKE AND PERFECT A GRANT APPLICATION FOR
ASSISTANCE UNDER THE FLORIDA BOATING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING
FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTING
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS PROVISION; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion by Council Member seconded by Council Member_ to adopt proposed
Resolution No. 2022-02.
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VOTE: Chandler , Clark ! , Jarriel c ,Keefe ,Watford f
Moti h Carrie /Failed.
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 9 of 12
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NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
B. Motion by Council Members 6K and � to award RFQ ADM-01-32-11-21,
General Planning Services.
Motion and second by Council Members and to award RFQ.
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VOTE: Chandler z , Clark r , Jarriel Keefe �` , Watford V
! Motion( Garried/Failed
VI Ijj. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
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Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 10 of 12
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CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
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Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 11 of 12
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COUNI-L COMMENTS
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XI. ADJOURN MEETING —
There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at
P.M.
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 12 of 12
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MARCH 15, 2022, REGULAR MEETING
MERYDIAN CAUSIER 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, March 15, 2022, at 6:03 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at
55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida.
The invocation was offered by Pastor Chad Keathley, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
led by MC.
II. ATTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Gamiotea to establish a quorum:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mayor Dowling R. Watford, Jr.
Council Member Chandler
Council Member Clark
Council Member Jarriel
Council Member Keefe
Staff present were:
City Attorney Greg Hyden
City Administrator Gary Ritter
Police Chief Donald Hagan
Public Works Director David Allen
Planner Jim LaRue
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Deputy Clerk Rose Torres
Admin Sec Merydian Causier
Fire Chief Herb Smith
Finance Director India Riedel
General Ser Coord. Patty
Burnette
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred, or
withdrawn.
Devon Nelson- 25 years in royal navy; newer to Okeechobee. Explored and had many expeditions
all over the world. When he sees Okeechobee, he sees "assets." What is it that can be done to
enhance Okeechobee? Vast assets within Okeechobee. Down in royal palm beach, land was put to
use down there. Development in Vero Beach, Palm Beach, and others. Okeechobee land can be
enhanced. No people live without a legacy. We never live for ourselves. Vast land here, citrus
agriculture? Whatever you measure and count, you own. Government in 21st century is downsizing.
Government is enlarging its play in our private lives. Everything takes leadership, and everything
flows from that leadership. Where are the factories in Okeechobee? Horticulture: where are the
plants? Where are the botanical gardens? Bee farms? Where do the planes service? Within
Okeechobee or outside? You are enticed to invest. What is worth investing in? we can raise the
living of Okeechobee. Snowbird land in Okeechobee. We can turn this "snowbird" season into
something that in turn can give us money.
Mayor Watford: delicate balance of private entities and local government. There are certain groups
that will listen to your input and suggestions and give you a better sense of what they can do to entie
the businesses in our community. Talk with the economic development corporation community. They
will better direct your concerns and comments.
Intro of Finance Director employee: introduce the newest employee. Ashley Wiekert. The new
Business Tax Secretary and has been a great asset to us and the Finance Department. Quick to
assist on the phones and those that come by and visit City Hall.
Mayor Watford: thank you
City Administrator Ritter: applaud the new hires- Ashley, Rose, and Merydian. They are sharp and
have hit the ground running ever since they were hired.
B. Motion and second by Council Members _keefe , and—jarriel to
approve the agenda as presented/amended.
VOTE: Chandler , Clark , Jarriel , Keefe , Watford
Motion Carried/Failed.
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 1 of 7
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C. There were 1 agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public
participation for any issues not on the agenda.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion and second by Council Members _keefe , and dark to:
A. [Dispense with the reading and] approve the Minutes for the March 1, 2022, [as presented].
B. Approve the Warrant Register for February 2022 [in the amounts: General Fund $403,169.78;
Public Facilities Improvement Fund, $19,646.57; and Capital Improvement Projects Fund
$3,621.02 as presented].
VOTE: Chandler , Clark , Jarriel , Keefe , Watford
Motion Carried/Failed
V. PLANNING AND ZONING
A. Motion and second by Council Members—jarriel , and keefe to read
by title only and adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1249, regarding Petition No. 22-001-R, rezoning
Blocks 110 and 121, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book 5, Page 5, Okeechobee County public
records; 3.9+/- acres from Heavy Commercial to Residential Multiple Family, submitted by property
owner F. Mitch Stephens/Glenwood Park, LLC. The vacant property is located between NE 2nd to
3rd Avenues and 3rd to 5th Streets, the proposed use multi -family structures. Planning Board
recommends approval (Exhibit 1).
VOTE: Chandler_i_, Clark i_, Jarriel_i , Keefe_i_, Watford i_.
Motion Carried/Failed
City Attorney John Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1249 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM HEAVY COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL
MULTIPLE FAMILY, PETITION NO. 22-001-R; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members _Jarriel , and keefe to adopt
proposed Ordinance No. 1249.
Jim LaRue and Steve Dobbs stand and testify for Ordinance 1249.
Jim LaRue: residential to multi -family land use. Legal description refers to st. lucie county and
Okeechobee. This is correct because it was platted in St. Lucie County.
Steve Dobbs: representing Mitch Stephens, he was too ill to come. "I was hoping to com eto the
meeting tonight, but have been ill to come. I plan on attending the future meetings. I hope that you
submit plans to the TRC so they may be adopted."- Mitch
Ritter: Mitch has been doing his due diligence. He has a few projects going on within Okeechobee.
He has been involved heavily.
Mayor: spoke with Mitch and discussed the project with him before the first reading,
VOTE: Chandler _i_, Clark_i , Jarriel i_, Keefe_i , Watford_i
Motion Carried/Failed
V. PLANNING AND ZONING CONTINUED
B. Motion and second by Council Members keefe and _clark to
read by title only, and set April 5, 2022, as the final Public Hearing date for proposed Ordinance No.
1245, regarding Petition No. 22-002-R, rezoning a total of 54.8+/- unplatted acres from Holding and
Residential Mobile Home to Heavy Commercial (16.8+/- acres) and Residential Multiple Family
(38.0+/- acres), submitted by property owner Gad Reggev/Blue Springs Holdings LLC. The vacant
property is located in the NE section of the City boundaries, situated East of Taylor Creek, South of
the railroad track, West of the NE City Limits (North 13th Avenue), and surrounds River Run Phase
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 2 of 7
I
2 subdivision to the North, East, and South. The proposed use is a multi -family residential community
and household storage facility (Exhibit 2). 1st reading. Quasi -Judicial:
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1249 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY
OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM HOLDING AND RESIDENTIAL MOBILE HOME (RMH) TO HEAVY
COMMERCIAL (CHV) AND RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY (RMF), PETITION NO. 22-002-R;
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members _keefe , and _chandler to
approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1245 and set April 5, 2022, as the Final Public
Hearing.
LaRue: requested rezoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Will be done at site plan
approval.
Steve Dobbs: on behalf of Gad Reggev, appreciate your time and efforts into getting this
completed.
Mayor Watford: questioned access to the property.
Steve Dobbs: Access to the property can be from 5th St. road that goes up into RaceTrac to allow
for a symbiotic relationship of those coming and going for gas. Property sold E of RaceTrac
property. Don't want to bring people through RiverRun, right now they will have to come through
river run. There is access to it.
Mayor Watford: this will be a tough hill to climb to figure out how people will get in and out. We will
oppose any plan that uses 8th Ave at all. So that's just my opinion. This is the first hearing and last
will be on April 5th as final.
VOTE: Chandler _i, Clark_i , Jarrieli , Keefei, Watfordi_.
Motion Carried/Failed
V. PLANNING AND ZONING CONTINUED
C. Motion and second by Council Members—jarriel , and _Clark to read
by title only, for proposed Ordinance No. 1246 regarding Petition No. 21-006-R, rezoning Lots 23-
24 of Block 3, CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book 5, Page 5, Okeechobee County public records,
0.4+4 acres from Residential Multiple Family to Heavy Commercial, submitted by property owner
Muhammad Nooruddin. The vacant property is located at 204 NW 13th Street, the proposed use is
a storage facility (Exhibit 3). 1st reading. Quasi -Judicial:
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1246 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY
OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY (RMF) TO HEAVY
COMMERCIAL (CHV), PETITION NO.21-006-R; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members _keefe , and Clark to approve the
first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1246 and set April 5, 2022 as the Final Public Hearing.
Jim LaRue: future land use is commercial zoning needs to be CHV, needs special exception. Consistent
with the urbanized pattern of the area and consistent with the city's plan for land use.
VOTE: Chandleri_, Clark_i , Jarriel_i , Keefe_i , Watford_i
Motion Carried/Failed
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 3 of 7
VI. 4jZA6MJJL9b MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT
6:47 P.M.
A. Motion and second by Council Members Clark—, and —jarriel to adopt
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, postponed from the January 18, 2022, final Public Hearing. Planning Board recommends
approval (Exhibit 4).
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 and second by Council Members clark and iarriel to adopt
proposed Ordinance No. 1231.
Jim LaRue: connected with earlier plan amendment and rezoning. TRC heard about this. Is
consistent with recommendations from TRC. 15ft area for right of way. Rezoning and comprehensive
plans that have been approved by the council. this is the last step- to abandon the easement.
Steve Dobbs: clear the escrow account now that they can close the alleyway.
VOTE: Chandler i_, Clark_i , Jarriel_i_, Keefe_i , Watfordi_.
Motion Carried/Failed
VI. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
B. Motion and second by Council Members _keefe , and chandler to
adopt 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, postponed from the January 18, 2022, final Public Hearing. Planning Board
recommends approval (Exhibit 5).
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 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 and second by Council Members chandler and clark to adopt
proposed Ordinance No. 1232.
Jim LaRue: mirror image of block 121.
VOTE: Chandler i , Clark i, Jarriel_i_, Keefei_, Watford_i_.
Motion Carried/Failed
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 4 of 7
VI.
VII
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
C. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel , and clark to read
by title only and adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1250, updating the Capital Improvements 5-Year
Schedule within the Comprehensive Plan. Local Planning Agency recommends approval (Exhibit 6).
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No.1250 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; UPDATING THE FIVE-YEAR SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS MANDATED BY FLORIDA
STATUTES SECTION 163.3177(3)(b); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members keefe and clark to adopt
proposed Ordinance No. 1250.
Jim LaRue: 5 yr CIA schedule for comp plan. From now on, can do by ordinance. This is consistent
with level of service that we have for the comp plan.
VOTE: Chandler i, Clark i, Jarriel
Motion Carried/Failed
VII.
NEW BUSINESS
i_, Keefei_, Watford i_.
A. Motion and second by Council Members _clark and _jarriel to adopt
proposed Resolution No. 2022-02 for authorization to implement a Florida Boating Improvement
Program Grant (Exhibit 7).
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY TO MAKE AND PERFECT A GRANT APPLICATION FOR
ASSISTANCE UNDER THE FLORIDA BOATING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING
FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTING
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS PROVISION; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion by Council Member seconded by Council Member to adopt proposed
Resolution No. 2022-02.
City Administrator Ritter: 2 grant applications for Primitive Baptist Church. Boat ramp on SE 4th which is
pretty well used and needs some repair. Brand new boat ramp and dock.
VOTE: Chandler i_, Clark_i_, Jarriel_i , Keefe_i_, Watford_i_.
Motion Carried/Failed.
NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
B. Motion by Council Members and to award RFQ ADM-01-32-11-21,
General Planning Services.
Ritter: which ever firm we decide to chose to go with. RFQ for planning services. 2 firsms are highly
qualified. One firm has been our planner since 1999. New firm has different resources. Staff went
through and did the RFQ. Morris DePew came
Motion and second by Council Members _keefe and to award RFQ.
Award Morris DePew
Mayor: Prefer LaRue because they know us and know our city. They only service govt clients, not
private. Morris Depew is a larger company.
VOTE: Chandler_i , Clark_i, Jarriel i_, Keefe_i , Watfordno.
Motion Carried/Failed
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 5 of 7
VIII. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Finance Director Riedel: 2 charts. Yellow are decreases and green are increases: summary of key
areas. Revenue increase of 8% from 10/1/2021 to 09/30/2022. Total gen fund increased. Avelorum
increase. Spending more so we are receipting more. Chart #2 are expenses. What has been spent
vs. the city budget. Audit will be given end of April or beginning of May. 13 business apps in February
54 since the FY began compared to 32 from last year. Budget amendment will include the canal
clean up.
BJ: any issues sticking out to you?
Riedel: not right now. We're ahead of the game. Are we just receipting or are we on target as well?
We are on target for some things. Some things do differ, just depends on what we are looking at.
Ritter to Patty Burnette: building department is fun and interesting- new construction, projects,
properties. Surpassed the projected amount that is within the budget for this year. It is starting to
slow down though. Race trac is on schedule. Proposed opening is June. Brahman car wash permit
has been issued. 12 condos on SE 8th Ave is coming along. Planning: couple of projects coming
before the TRC. Former antebellum?ddfdf?? is being rezoned. 190 unit proposed complex. Site
plan expired since it has been over 2yrs. Stephens's project is being worked on for site plan. No
applications for April as of right now.
Ritter: sent a letter to the land owner of the E side of Ari Acres. Interested in annexing the 80 acres
from the county. Marvin is here to show how diverse our Public Works department has become.
Marvin is responsible for upkeep on just about everything, that's why I wanted him to come to show
what he has been doing with the crew.
Marvin: report is from Jan 2022-beginning of March 2022. 70 work orders- drainage issues mostly.
Facility issues: centennial park restrooms. Crosswalks and stripes on SW ave. Pothole issues: SE
8th Ave. Safety Issues: low hanging limbs, tripping hazards from tree roots in sidewalks. Lots of
stripping. Ditch cleaning: need to find a way to better clean out the ditches. SE canals clean up:
sometime in mid -April.
BK: potholes- knee-jerk reaction, just a Band-Aid because we're just filling them in., we need to
resurface the reoccurring issues. If able, we cut out the issue and fill in with hot asphalt.
David: we're not capable of resurfacing the big ones.
BK: the tree root on the streets back behind the library are just as bad.
NC: cutting out a root will not kill a tree. You can put a barrier down there.
BJ: how long do you let the asphalt set?
Marvin: just depends on when they are cooking the asphalt and when we can get it.
David: down one person and have 2 new hires. First female operator. Pam and Dalton. Still have
one opening, need to get just the right person. Hopefully up to staff very soon. Next council meeting
hopefully will have . Cattleman's is coming together. Things are ordered and will be coming in
soon. Process on getting extension on some things, including the engineering for . Next
council agenda item: same concrete to do the trunk line from Baptist church to the boat ramp.
Shanadoah will be doing it, we were able to piggyback off of another contract. Replace and improve
water quality via treatments. Rebidding landscape contract for city- Primitive Baptist Church, grass
medians, etc. so we can free up our guys to do more stripping and things like that. Tighten up the
landscape bidding so we can get better contracts. Working with CDL training. 3 dump trucks that we
have- if we were to fill it up, we will need to have CDL for those to drive. New hires do have CDL,
but 3 employees do not. Need to figure out how to put them through it. FDOT: 2 projects happening.
Final engineering design. Under US 441, they will replace it and not reline it. Will be a pain in the
butt when this happens. The other one is from US 441 to the east for additional storage. Replacing
structure at 441 and 21St St. These projects will be a pain but we will cross that when the time comes.
The handout has a priority list on it. 8th Ave has many storm water improvements- we really need a
reconstruction versus an overlay. Trying to find the worst places that has a lot of traffic, those make
the top of the list. Storm water system is what is the higher priority. Spot mill- old pavement to the
new pavement. Complete Mill- mill out inch to inch and half of pavement and mill over it. Recon-
new road completely.
BK: Jet that cleans out the coverts.
David: Truck that sucks it out and jets out the gunk is a possibility to obtain via the money we've
obtained from (1.44.30)
BK: new HR policy to get through the CDL.
David: does cost about $1800. But $1800 is nothing when it is compared to lawyer fees and
accidents.
BK: street sweeping schedule?
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 6 of 7
David: we do have that but I have been focused on the landscaping RFQ.
Chief Hagan: 150 traffic citations vs 350 warnings. Trying to keep people happy when considering
the state we are in right now.one particular complain: hackers have become elaborate. Hacker called
and knew the ins and outs of local bank. They call and say they're from fraud department to verify
fraud things. They stole $300,000 from the bank. Just hang up the phone and call your bank to
double-check. Don't ever give your information out like that. New hires are working out very well.
Dispatchers are full, just one law enforcement position. The coast is offering over $50,000 for entry
job. We are competing with agencies that can afford to increase pay. We are also going to lose law
officers because of the demonization that we are facing. It's hard to compete with that.
Chief Smith: engine 5, 6, 7 were sold. Brush truck is the only one left. End of the month, all vehicles
will be gone. Packs, nozzles, and other gear will be put out as well. Radio system will go to Police
and Public Works. Just about done with everything.
VII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
John will give a thorough update at the next meeting.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Greg has been at the CE meetings. The staff have little resources to use but they make it work and they
make it happen. $200,000 is still up for grab for Cattleman's square. SE 811 Ave $240,000 for the storm
drain. The one that did not make it was for City Hall for the $500,000 to start work on the building. Next
month, we will have draft/ final for reserve fund policy. May 241h will be the joint CC and PB meeting.
IX. COUNIL COMMENTS
Chandler: thank you to the staff for all they do. A license- brakes and trailer. B license- pull a trailer
with it.
Jarriel: thank you for the reports tonight and it's nice that you all give intelligent answers. We need
to send a letter to LaRue thanking them for their service. Parade was an amazing turn out.
Keefe: thank you to the Administrator Ritter for putting the mission and vision statement on the
agenda. This month is women history month. Accomplishments of women and recognize them on
their achievements within the city and community. There is still not equality between men and
women in the workforce. As combat veteran, be very thankful for what you have and the freedom
you have within the United States. We need to pray for Ukrainian people and troops. Demolition
ordinance is in effect now, just clarifying. Budget workshop time is around the corner. Save
taxpayers money, making more money, but what do we do with it. Expenditures are going up.
Would like to see a budget report of what we need to do this year. What we need to budget for that
year specifically. We owe our citizens to serve them well.
Clark: NA
XI. ADJOURN MEETING
There being no further items on the agenda, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 8:17 P.M.
Handwritten Minutes, 3-15-2022 reg mtg, Page 7 of 7