2022-07-19 EX 03Exhibit 3
7/19/2022
`\,y�F•�KFFy CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
.TUNE 7, 2022, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
0
DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
9
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford, called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on June
7, 2022, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200,
Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was offered by Mayor Watford; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
led by Council Member Chandler.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was taken by City Clerk Lane Gamiotea to establish a quorum. Members present: Mayor Dowling R.
Watford, Jr., Council Members Noel A. Chandler, Robert "Bob" Jarriel, and Robert "Bobby" M. Keefe, Jr.
Council Member Monica M. Clark attended electronically via Zoom.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford asked whether there were any items to be added, deferred, or withdrawn. New
Business, Item I, Exhibit 11, was added.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to approve the agenda as amended. Motion
Carried Unanimously.
C. No comment cards were submitted for public participation for issues not on the agenda.
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mr. Joe Papasso was recognized by Mayor Watford for his years of volunteerism. He was presented
with a framed Certificate of Appreciation, read into the record as follows: "The City of Okeechobee,
Florida recognizes the Valuable Contribution of community involvement and hereby extends
this expression of grateful appreciation to Joe Papasso for faithful service as a dedicated
member appointed to the City of Okeechobee Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Design
Review Board, May 20, 2020 through April 29, 2022."
B. Mr. John "J.P" Zeigler, accompanied by his wife, was recognized by Mayor Watford for his volunteerism.
He was presented with a framed Certificate of Appreciation, read into the record as follows: "The City
of Okeechobee, Florida recognizes the Valuable Contribution of community involvement and
hereby extends this expression of grateful appreciation to John Ziegler for faithful service as a
dedicated member appointed to the City of Okeechobee General Employees' Pension Board of
Trustees, March 1, 2021 through April 28, 2022."
C. Mayor Watford proclaimed May 9 through 13, 2022, as "Economic Development Week." The document
will be mailed to Mrs. Kaylee King and read as follows: "Whereas, the International Economic
Development Council is recognizing 2022 as its 95th Anniversary. The International Economic
Development Council is the largest professional economic development organization dedicated to
serving economic developers; and Whereas, the International Economic Development Council
provides leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members, and partners
through conferences, training courses, advisory services and research, in-depth publications, public
policy advocacy, and initiatives such as the Accredited Economic Development Organization program,
the Certified Economic Developer designation, and the Entrepreneurship Development Professional;
and Whereas, the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation as a current member of
the International Economic Development Council, promotes economic well-being and quality of life for
our community by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and
provide a stable tax base; and Whereas, local economic development is engaged in a wide variety of
settings including urban and local, state, county, and federal governments, public -private partnerships,
chambers of commerce, universities, and variety of other institutions; and Whereas, the Okeechobee
County Economic Development Corporation attracts and retains businesses, partners with local
stakeholders to develop vibrant community, boosts tourism, and improves the services and quality of
life in our County and our City. Now therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr, by virtue of the authority vested
in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of May 8 through 13,
2022 of `Economic Development Week' in the City of Okeechobee."
DRAFT JUNE 7, 2022, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 1 OF 4
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to [dispense with the reading and] approve
the May 17, 2022, Minutes [as presented in Exhibit 11. Motion Carried Unanimously.
VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:10 P.M.
A. City Attorney Greg Hyden read proposed Ordinance No. 1253 by title only, as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA,
PERTAINING TO THE CITY CHARTER; PROVIDING FINDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL REGARDING
THE CURRENT CHARTER AND A PROPOSED REVISED CHARTER; CALLING FOR A
REFERENDUM FOR ELECTORS OF THE CITY TO VOTE ON WHETHER TO APPROVE
REVISIONS TO THE CITY CHARTER; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FILING AND
PUBLICATION OF THE NEW CITY CHARTER; DECLARING THE LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR
ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE; PROVIDING THE BALLOT TITLE AND BALLOT SUMMARY
FOR THE REFERENDUM; PROVIDING FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATES."
B. Continued discussion [from May 17, 20221 on the Motion on the floor made by Council Members Keefe
and Jarriel to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1253 [as presented in Exhibit 2].
Mayor Watford opened the floor for discussion by the public. Mr. David McAuley requested clarification
that the Council had come up with a way to separate the amendment into two different questions.
Mayor Watford responded yes and clarified that is not how it is proposed in the current language. Mr.
Billy McCullers stated his disappointment that no consideration has been made to separate the
referendum into two questions.
An email from Donna Howard was read into the record by Mayor Watford as follows "Esteemed Mayor
and City Council Members of Okeechobee, I would like to address the office of the Okeechobee
City Clerk, which is scheduled to be discussed on tonight's agenda. The right to vote is at the
core of our American democracy. When you take away our right to vote on any matter, you
essentially take away our voice, our autonomy and ultimately our power. I am aware that a
financial case can be made for changing the City Clerk's position from elected to appointed.
However, I am also aware that an appointed official would only need to satisfy a select few,
whereas an elected official would need to continue to satisfy the entire City of Okeechobee in
order to stay in office. It's also worth mentioning that we, the City of Okeechobee, have elected
each of you to serve on our council and I don't think any of you would be happy if your positions
were up for debate. Please make a clarification separating the Okeechobee City Clerk issue from
the rest of the Charter changes. Your time and attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
P.S. I cannot attend tonight's meeting in person, so please make sure that my comments are
read aloud at tonight's meeting."
An email from Jodi Hazellief was read into the record by Mayor Watford as follows "To Mayor Watford
and City Council Members, I am writing to you today to voice my opinion on the proposition of
the New Charter. While I have read over the Charter and the changes you want to make, I am a
little confused as to why you would add the change of the City Clerk position to be appointed
from elected to this ordinance. It seems that maybe as an afterthought it was just added in the
end. I believe this should be a separate question altogether as it has no relevance to the other
items being presented. I would hate to think that this was done maliciously, with the hope that
the voters would pass the entire Charter when voting, without reading it in its entirety. We all
know, unfortunately, that voters do not like to read things all the way through when they are
voting. If they read a little into it and it sounds good or beneficial then a yes vote it is. Too much
legislation in the USA gets passed this way, with hidden agendas, and it is wrong. As far as the
position of City Clerk being appointed and not elected doesn't sit well with me either. People
who are appointed tend to be in someone's pocket or have theirs or someone else's best
interest in mind, not the public they are serving. Okeechobee's own Bill of Rights states -In order
to provide the public with full and accurate information, to promote efficient governance, to
ensure accountability and to provide all persons fair and equitable treatment. How are all of
these things going to happen when the person is appointed and not elected? Where is the
accountability going to come from? Is this appointed person just going to become a scapegoat
for any wrongdoings that are found out? Keep this position as an elected one, separate it from
the charter, and give the voters a chance to really see what you are proposing. Thank you for
your time and consideration."
A letter from Jennifer Tewksbury, Executive Director of the Economic Council, was read into the record
by Mayor Watford as follows "Good evening Mayor Watford and Honorable Members of the City
Council, the Economic Council has supported your initiative to update our City's Charter since
the discussions first began, and with the belief that the best interest of the City will be served
DRAFT JUNE 7, 2022, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 2 OF 4
VI. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
B. Continued: thereby, we support advertising the Charter revisions with the same language
currently in your agenda as a single ballot item (Exhibit 2). 1 regret I am unable to attend in
person this evening but want to be sure that the community support for your previous action
on this item is known, recognized, and documented for the record as you continue your efforts
to improve our City and modernize the Charter. Thank You for your continued service to our
community."
Council Member Chandler made a motion to amend proposed Ordinance No. 1253 to separate the
issue of the position of City Clerk changing to an appointed position from the other items listed in the
charter. Motion to amend failed due to the lack of a second.
Motion and second by Council Members Clark and Jarriel to amend proposed Ordinance No. 1253 to
correct errors in Article 5 paragraphs b, d, and g removing any reference that the City Clerk position is
elected; and in the first "Whereas" paragraph, correct to read appointed residents, not City residents.
Motion to Amend Carried Unanimously. Vote on Motion as Amended Carried three to two, Mayor
Watford and Council Member Chandler voting no.
MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:33 P.M.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Chandler to review and approve the Fiscal Year
(FY) 2020-21 Audited Financials prepared by Carr, Riggs and Ingram [as presented in Exhibit 3].
Motion Carried Unanimously.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Keefe to read by title only, proposed Ordinance
No. 1254 regarding Land Development Regulation (LDR) Text Amendment Application No. 22-001-TA
for home -based businesses [as presented in Exhibit 4]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Attorney Hyden read proposed Ordinance No. 1254 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION 90-633, HOME OCCUPATION WITHIN
CHAPTER 90, LDR'S OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING
FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members Chandler and Jarriel to approve the first reading of proposed
Ordinance No. 1254 and set July 5, 2022, as the final hearing date. Motion Carried Unanimously.
C. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to read by title only, proposed Ordinance
No. 1258, extending the sunset date one year for Ordinance No. 1224, adopting the Holding Property
Rezoning Program [as presented in Exhibit 5]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Attorney Hyden read proposed Ordinance No. 1258 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; EXTENDING THE HOLDING REZONING PROGRAM
CREATED BY ORDINANCE 1224; PROVIDING FOR A ONE (1) YEAR SUNSET CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members Chandler and Jarriel to approve the first reading of proposed
Ordinance No. 1258 and set July 5, 2022, as the final hearing date. Motion Carried Unanimously.
D. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Chandler to approve a budget amendment in the
amount of $9,379.62, not to exceed $10,000.00, to rewire the Council Chambers [as presented in
Exhibit 6]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
E. Discussed local and state regulations for the use of fireworks. Per the discussion and, at the
recommendation of Attorney Hyden, Mayor Watford stated that it was the consensus of the Council
that the Code of Ordinances be amended with Police Staff input.
F. Motion and second by Council Members Clark and Keefe to approve a Facility Use License Agreement
with the Okeechobee Historical Society, Inc., regarding use of the Primitive Baptist Church property [as
presented in Exhibit 8, located at 1003 Southwest (SW) 3rd Avenue, Legal Description: Lots 9 through
12 of Block 8, SOUTH OKEECHOBEE, Plat Book 1, Page 12 and Plat Book 5, Page 7, Okeechobee
County Public Records]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
DRAFT JUNE 7, 2022, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 3 OF 4
VII. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
G. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Keefe to approve a Contractor's Agreement with
RMPK Funding, Inc. for grant consulting services [as presented in Exhibit 9, piggyback from the City
of Oakland Park, RFP No. 030971, for a term of one year with two renewable years]. Motion Carried
Unanimously.
H. Staff presented a recommendation to convert the City parcel at SW 3rd Avenue and 23rd Street: from
a storage area to an open public green space, or sell the parcel [as presented in Exhibit 10]. Motion
and second by Council Members Jarriel and Chandler to sell the parcel [Lots 6 and 7 of Block 5, ROYAL
OAKS ADDITION, Plat Book 1, Page 8, Okeechobee County Public Records] and earmark the money
to be used for the church project [structures on property listed in New Business, Item F]. Motion
Carried Unanimously.
I. Added Agenda Item: Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Chandler to approve the
purchase of two administrative Chevrolet Traverse vehicles under Florida State contract pricing in the
amount of $29, 652.00 each [as presented in Exhibit 111. Motion Carried Unanimously.
VIII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
• Nothing at this time.
IX. ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
• Legislative Update: Senate Bill 620 is still pending, and the proposed budget is not signed yet;
• Cattlemen's Square Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is set for July 23, 2022,
X. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Chandler: Pavement is buckling on SW 8t" Street and 2nd Avenue.
Council Member Jarriel: Chief Hagan does a radio show on the first Thursday of the month and has already
laid the fireworks' groundwork last week.
The City Council extended a warm welcome to Mrs. Heather Prince, hired by Clerk Gamiotea on June 6,
2022, as the Deputy City Clerk.
XI, ADJOURN, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
Submitted By:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any
matter considered at this meeting, s/he 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.
DRAFT JUNE 7, 2022, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 4 OF 4
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
.TUNE 21, 2022, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
° DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
6 'a
• 9 5
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford, called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on June
21, 2022, at 6:00 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 of Okeechobee Church of God;
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Watford.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was taken by Deputy Clerk Heather Prince to establish a quorum. Members present: Mayor Dowling
R. Watford, Jr., Council Members Noel A. Chandler, Robert "Bob" Jarriel, and Robert "Bobby" M. Keefe, Jr.
Council Member Monica M. Clark attended electronically via Zoom.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. There were no requests for items to be added, deferred, or withdrawn from the agenda.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to approve the agenda as published. Motion
Carried Unanimously,
C. There were no comment cards submitted for public participation for issues not on the agenda.
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mayor Watford and the Council extended a warm welcome to Mr. B.J. Pryor, the new Okeechobee High
School Football Coach. Coach Pryor introduced his coaching staff and gave a brief summary of the
Team Line Up.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to approve the Warrant Register for May
2022 [in the amounts: General Fund, $420,306.46; Public Facilities Improvement Fund, $25,226.54;
and Capital Improvement Projects Fund, $26,358.41, as presented in Exhibit 1]. Motion Carried
Unanimously,
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Council approved a Capital Projects Budget Workshop at 5:00 P.M. on July 5, 2022, regarding high -
profile projects with the intent of looking at projects to begin in the next Fiscal Year.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Keefe to approve expenditures received from
Okeechobee Main Street's General Contractor [Mark W. Brandel, Inc., to vendors Vest Concrete
Contractors, Inc. and American Drilling Services, Inc. for the Flagler Park] Cattlemen's Square Project
in the amount of $48,492.50 [as presented in Exhibit 2]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
C. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to approve payment of the Chamber of
Commerce water bills [Okeechobee Utility Authority invoices] in the amount of $945. 77 [as presented
in Exhibit 3]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
D. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Chandler to approve [Amendment No. 2 to the]
Grant FIBRS 2021-FBSFA-F2-043 in the amount of $36,675.00 from the State of Florida Criminal
Justice Information Services of FDLE [as presented in Exhibit 4]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
E. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to renew the City Administrator Employment
Agreement [with Gary Ritter as presented in Exhibit 5] with an amendment to change the date of the
annual performance review to May to ensure reviews are completed prior to contract renewal date.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
VII. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Donald Hagan
• 3005 citations have been issued year-to-date;
• 225 traffic accidents year-to-date;
• 2598 complaints year-to-date;
No applications have been received for the two personnel vacancies.
DRAFT JUNE 21, 2022, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 1 OF 2
VII. CITY DEPARTMENT REPORTS CONTINUED
General Services Coordinator Patty Burnette
• 161 Building Permits have been issued year-to-date;
• Slow progress on several current projects due to supply chain issues;
• Receiving many requests about home inspections due to renewal of homeowner's insurance
policies;
• Planning Board met on June 16, 2022.
Finance Director India Riedel
• 80 Business Tax Receipts through the end of May to include 64 new/transfers, eight regulatory
business (home -based), and eight new insurance companies;
• Reminder, Capital Projects Budget Workshop scheduled for July 5, 2022, at 5:00 P.M.;
• Increase in year-to-date revenue and a decrease in expenses;
• She was elected to serve on the Executive Board for Public Risk Management;
• Open enrollment for Benefits Fair to be scheduled;
• Anticipates renewing contract with Urgent Care.
Public Works Director David Allen
• Cattlemen's Square project is progressing;
• Survey completed for the Southwest (SW) 5t" Avenue resurfacing project. The plans will be
submitted to the Department of Transportation;
• New grant to install small kayak launch in Centennial Park;
• Next bid to go out will be for sidewalk repairs;
• Working on digitizing storm water field verification maps;
• Axel issue with the newer John Deere backhoe, a major rebuild is likely needed, may need to
consider replacing the older backhoe;
• Department has one personnel position vacant, to be posted soon.
VIII. ATTORNEY UPDATE
• Continuing to monitor ongoing worker's compensation case;
• Working with Administrator Ritter on potential annexation located East of Airi Acres
• Researching the possibility to implement a landscape clause;
• Exploring what options there are to make the Technical Review Committee a non -Sunshine entity
to allow for members to be able to discuss issues at any time. All decisions would still be made
during the meetings which would continue to be open to the public;
• Revising wording within the fireworks section of the Code to ensure easier readability.
IX. ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
• Thanked the Council for their confidence in him;
• Diligently working on various grants to get more funds into the City for various projects, the grant
process is time consuming;
• Resubmitted for a federal grant for the hardening of City Hall
• Will be working with Attorney Fumero to ensure the sale of the City property at SW 3rd Avenue and
23rd Street is conducted properly.
X. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Jarriel was pleased to see the Economic Development Corporation's Summer Program in
action in the community.
Council Member Keefe:
• Thanked the Department Heads for the information provided during their reports;
• Reminded everyone of the importance of equality and freedom.
XI. ADJOURN, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 7:10 P.M.
Submitted By:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any
matter considered at this meeting, s/he 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.
;l`.' JUNE 21, 2022, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 2 OF 2
(.60`•OHFFC'Y CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
JULY 5, 2022, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND WORKSHOP
b �
DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
91
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford, called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on July
5, 2022, at 5:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue, Room 200,
Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was offered by Mayor Watford; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
led by Council Member Keefe.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was taken by City Clerk Gamiotea to establish a quorum. Members present: Mayor Dowling R. Watford,
Jr., Council Members Noel A. Chandler, Monica M. Clark, Robert "Bob" Jarriel, and Robert "Bobby" M.
Keefe, Jr.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. There were no requests for items to be added, deferred, or withdrawn from the agenda.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Chandler to approve the agenda as published.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
C. There were no comment cards submitted for public participation for issues not on the agenda.
IV. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET WORKSHOP AT 5:04 P.M.
A. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss high -profile projects presented by Staff. Finance Director
India Riedel reviewed each item listed on the five -page Capital and High -Profile Projects spreadsheet
including whether the item is mandated, a replacement or new item, estimated cost, ongoing annual
cost, and the potential for grant funding [as presented in Exhibit 1]. Distributed at the meeting were
two additional pages, one containing the audited fund balances as of Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21
comparing the combined Fund Balance from General and Capital Improvement Projects Funds with
estimated use of General Operating Expenses for FY 2022-23 and then listing amounts of the
Contingency Fund utilizing the recently adopted Fund Balance Policy. The second page provided a
chart from 2017 to 2023 comparing the City's cost -of -living -adjustment (COLA) to employees to that of
the Social Security Administration COLA, the Bureau of Labor percentage change, and the State of
Florida consumer price index. Mr. Frank Irby addressed the Council by recommending not to construct
more sidewalks until the existing ones can be maintained and suggested the projects be listed in order
of priority. Mayor Watford directed that, at the next meeting, the Council discuss the priority of
the projects presented in conjunction with the items provided by Administrator Ritter in the
Five -Year Strategic Plan. Additionally, each Council Member should express their input on the
projects to Mr. Ritter prior to the next meeting.
V. MAYOR WATFORD ADJOURNED THE WORKSHOP AND OPENED THE REGULAR SESSION AT 6:06 P.M.
VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:06 P.M.
A. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Keefe to read by title only, proposed Ordinance
No. 1254 regarding Land Development Regulation (LDR) Text Amendment Application No. 22-001-TA
for home -based businesses [as presented in Exhibit 2]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
City Attorney John Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1254 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION 90-633, HOME
OCCUPATION WITHIN CHAPTER 90, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Council Members Chandler and Clark to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1254.
Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comment. Mr. Frank Irby asked whether home -based
businesses was defined, Attorney Fumero responded yes, and it was very broad. Motion Carried
Unanimously.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Clark to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No.
1258, extending the sunset date one year for Ordinance No. 1224, adopting the Holding Property
Rezoning Program [as presented in Exhibit 3]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
DRAFT JULY 5, 2022, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AND WORKSHOP, PAGE 1 OF 3
VI. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
B. Continued. Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1258 by title only as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; EXTENDING THE HOLDING
REZONING PROGRAM CREATED BY ORDINANCE 1224; PROVIDING FOR A ONE (1) YEAR
SUNSET CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING
FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE,"
Motion and second by Council Members Chandler and Keefe to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1258.
Mayor Watford opened the floor for public comment. Ms. Kaylee King asked whether there were
properties with a Holding Zoning, Clerk Gamiotea responded there are 43. Motion Carried
Unanimously,
MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:18 P.M.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation Business Manager, Kaylee King provided a
summary of the recently held Junior Leadership Skills Camp, which is to provide soft skills training,
promote leadership skills, and encourage personal development among local young leaders. She gave
an overview of the local businesses the participants visited on field trips and highlighted some of the
experiences the students had during the Camp which was led by teachers Brittany Carrier and Jonathan
Schrock. Ashley Garcia Reyes and Raymundo Medrano, both high school seniors, addressed the
Council with highlights of what they learned at the Camp and an overview of their proposed project
which was a plan to replace junk yards in the residential areas with parks. Alice and Isaac Mosely,
middle school students, then spoke about their favorite parts of the Camp and their proposed project
which was to create a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics center. Their parents,
Jason and Khamphou Mosely, expressed their appreciation to the community for providing this
opportunity to their children. No official was required for this item.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Jarriel to read by title only, proposed Ordinance
No. 1257 regarding LDR Text Amendment Application No. 22-002-TA, reducing the Application for
Joinder Fee from $500 to $100 [as presented in Exhibit 41. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Attorney Fumero read proposed Ordinance No. 1257 by title only as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING APPENDIX C, SCHEDULE OF LDR FEES
AND CHARGES, LDR'S OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT;
PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; 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. 1257 and set August 2, 2022, as the final hearing date. Motion Carried Unanimously.
C. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Clark to approve the City of Okeechobee
Governmental Accounting Standards Board 75 Other Post -Employment Benefits Engagement Letter
[with Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and Company as presented in Exhibit 5]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
D. Motion and second by Council Members Keefe and Chandler to approve the [one-year] Renewal with
Public Risk Management Group Health Insurance and add the proposed Health Savings Account and
Medicare Plans [as presented in Exhibit 61. Mr. Chris Kinley, Regional Sales Director of Health Equity,
presented information regarding potential benefits of offering a health savings account, how the plan
worked, and responded to various questions from the Council. Motion Carried Unanimously,
VIII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
• Waste Management contract renewal and proposed Rate Resolutions have been provided to Staff;
• Draft of amendment to the Code regulating fireworks is in progress;
• CSX Railroad blocking all major crossings will be addressed via a letter;
• Working with Clerk's Office on some challenging public records requests
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
• Assisting in drafting the letter to CSX regarding the need for the City to be notified when the railroad
crossings need to be closed for extended periods;
• Two grant applications, Parking Study and Roadway Evaluations, were submitted through the
Department of Economic Opportunity, neither were awarded;
• City Hall is still on a list for the Federal Grant through Representative Steube's office, for 2023;
• Received $80,000.00 from the sale of Fire Department vehicles and another $4,000.00 from the sale
of other equipment;
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IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE CONTINUED
• Letter submitted with other Lake Okeechobee communities in support of a project to clean up the Lake
and provide help to agricultural community.
X. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Chandler thanked Staff for their work on the Capital Budget Projects.
Council Member Clark announced the Tourist Development Council is pursuing to bring the main bass
tournament back to Okeechobee in February, projected revenue is $6 million.
Mayor Watford:
• Commissioner Terry Burroughs was elected Vice -President of the Florida Association of Counties
(FAC);
• Commissioner Kelly Owens was appointed to serve on several FAC committees;
• Representative Kaylee Tuck will be at the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities and Treasure
Coast Council of Local Governments July 20, 2022 meeting and Barbeque.
XI. THE WORKSHOP WAS NOT RECONVENED
XII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further items, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 7:24 P.M.
Submitted By:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any
matter considered at this meeting, s/he 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.
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