2023-06-06 V. A. Draft Minutes for 5/2/2023 & 5/16/2023 • • 5/2/2023 Minutes
06-06-2023
1' 0F O CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
yom MAY 2, 2023, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
.._ �a
°-_��--- .. DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on May 2,
2023, at 6:05 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast (SE) 3rd Avenue, Room 200,
Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was offered by Mayor Watford;followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led
by Vice Mayor Clark.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was taken by City Clerk Lane Gamiotea to establish a quorum. Members present: Mayor Dowling R.
Watford, Jr., Vice Mayor Monica M. Clark, Council Members Noel A. Chandler, Robert "Bob" J. Jarriel, and
David R. McAuley.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Under IV. Presentations and Proclamations, Item B., Recognition of Officer Garrett Kelly, and Item C.,
Recognition of Finance Director India Riedel, were added.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Chandler to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
C. One comment card was submitted by Mr. Benjamin Bolan, advocating for local government control to
remain at the local level and expressing concern regarding the number of pre-emption bills currently
before the Legislature.
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mayor Watford proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month. A Proclamation was presented to
both Ms. Leah Suarez, Chief Executive Office of Our Village Okeechobee,and Ms. Maria Roma, Program
Director of Suncoast Mental Health, and was read into the record as follows: "Whereas, mental health
and substance use conditions affect individuals, families, and communities across Okeechobee
County, Florida, and the Nation; and Whereas,good mental health is a key component in a child's
healthy development. Children's Mental Health Week and National Prevention Week provide the
opportunity to focus on these important matters, while celebrating the accomplishments of
children and families affected by mental health concerns and substance use. It is imperative that
a visible, united effort by community members be launched and sustained to prevent substance
use and promote mental wellness; and Whereas, it is important that youth, their families, and
communities learn about the warning signs of mental health disorders,substance use,and where
to obtain necessary assistance and services. Open dialogue is an essential component to fight
stigma and encourage those who might benefit from services to seek help; and Whereas there is
a need for access to comprehensive services that are family-driven, youth guided, culturally and
linguistically competent, and community based. Individuals would also benefit from the
integration of behavioral health in primary care, education, and child welfare; and Whereas, all
citizens, agencies, and organizations interested in advancing innovative strategies addressing
children's behavioral health including prevention can unite to promote effective services.
Promoting mental health and wellness leads to higher overall productivity, better educational
outcomes, lower crime rates, stronger economies, lower health care costs, improved family life,
improved quality of life and increased lifespan. Studies show that the effects of Adverse
Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are felt by people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender,
sexual orientation, or socio-economic status; and Whereas, the City of Okeechobee recognizes
the impact of awareness, education, access to services and the importance of mental health and
well-being to an individual's success and supports the implementation of trauma informed
approaches through the systems of care. 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
month of May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Okeechobee."
B. Item Added: Police Chief Donald Hagan recognized Officer Garrett Kelly, who was honored and
presented an Outstanding Patrolman Award from the Treasure Coast 10-13 Club, at an event on April
29, 2023, for rendering aid while off-duty.
C. Item Added: Mayor Watford recognized Finance Director India Riedel as a recent graduate of the Florida
Natural Resources Leadership Institute.
DRAFT MAY 2, 2023, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING. PAGE 1 OF 2
• •
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Motion by Council Member McAuley and Vice Mayor Clark to dispense with the reading and approve the
Minutes from April 18, 2023 [as presented]. Motion Carried Unanimously.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Mr. Tommy Clay, Chairperson, Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) Board of Directors, provided the
quarterly update on various projects (last update was January 26, 2023). Various projects in the
Southwest Service Area are progressing. However, one was delayed during the initial phase to relocate
gopher tortoises. Project 3, Okee-Tantie Force Main/State Road 78 Corridor (for Bass Pro), has 30
percent of drawings complete.A pump station is being built at the Pine Ridge Park Project. The Treasure
Island Project has potential funding and is in the design phase. Approximately $2.5 million of the
estimated $6 million needed has been secured for the Southwest (SW) 5th Street Septic to Sewer
Conversion Project. The OUA looks forward to the Council adopting an ordinance mandating connection
to water and wastewater systems. The Board is reviewing personnel matters and succession planning.
B. City Clerk Gamiotea, Public Works Director David Allen, Police Chief Donald Hagan, and General
Services Director Patty Burnette provided updates on their respective departments,with information from
January 1, 2023, through April 30, 2023, as follows:
Clerk Gamiotea(three-page report added to the official minute file):
• Received and responded to 118 public records requests; requests in 2022 totaled 322;
• Multiple records management projects in the works, including Pension records;
• Processed three new hires, one new elected official, and three returning elected officials,
• Processed out two employees and one elected official;
• Researched and presented amendments to the Personnel Policies and Procedures handbook;
• Monitor and process Family and Medical Leave Act requests and proper notice;
• Created 29 newspaper advertisements and 40 public notices;
• Processed two ordinances and one resolution, adopted to date, continuing to work with City
Attorney on ordinances amending the Code due to new Charter;
• Citizen Boards, processed out three Members, completed onboarding of one new Member and
four renewals, advertising campaigns for vacant OUA Alternate Member;
• Created certificates and awards presented at Council meetings;
• Monitor department budget;
• Created and mailed out 41 birthday cards and four sympathy/get well cards on behalf of the City.
Director Allen:
• Bid Documents for the baffle box on Southeast 4th Street are complete; ready to be advertised;
• SW 5th Avenue project requires a second engineer do the inspection for the Florida Department
of Transportation grant, bid documents being reviewed;
• Working on re-establishing power to the buildings at Primitive Baptist Church; water has been
restored to the outside to allow work to be done;
• Retention pond at River Run cleaned;
• Supply line issues with new backhoe; new F250 to be delivered May 3, 2023;
• Paint for striping delivered; stop bars and crosswalks are the priority.
Chief Hagan:
• Full staff of officers; one dispatcher vacancy;
• Five patrol units ordered, three arrived quickly, two arrived later and are pending outfitting;
• Proud of new officers, continue to recruit people who care about the community;
• 831 calls for service, majority for trespassing;
• Issued 802 traffic warnings and 472 citations;
• 32 open and 35 closed cases in Code Enforcement;
• Addressing 28 delinquent Business Tax Receipts.
Director Burnette:
• 173 permits issued, fees collected for Fiscal Year total $63,000.00;
• Mobile Home Park, SW 5th and 6th, new owner, 6 permits for new homes, encroachment issues
to be resolved;
• Three text amendments regarding food trucks, stormwater drainage, and storm shutters to be
reviewed at May 18, 2023, Planning Board meeting;
• Park Street Commerce Center, six applications submitted,site plans for Culver's Restaurant and
a carwash;
• Seven-unit multi-family project on Northwest section waiting on building permits.
C. In the absence of Administrator Gary Ritter, Council Member Chandler provided an update on Veterans'
Square of FLAGLER Park, Block E/Park No.1. This was followed by a discussion regarding the potential
relocation of the monuments.
DRAFT MAY 2,2023,CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING,PAGE 2 OF 3
• •
VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
C. Continued. Mr. Gregg Maynard and Mr. Charlie Norris spoke on behalf of local veterans, conveying their
desire to be involved. This item was for informational purposes only, no official action was required.
VII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
• Excavation services bid package reviewed;
• Tax Abatement program to be presented at a future meeting;
• Final draft of ordinances regulating food trucks and mandatory water and wastewater connections
completed;
• Draft ordinances regulating storm shutters and addressing changes in stormwater regulations in progress;
• Opinion of title regarding Centennial Park completed, draft of Cattlemen's Square lease provided to
Hamrick Trust;
• Continuing to work with Clerk's Office on City Code updates related to newly adopted Charter.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
Administrator Ritter was absent.
IX. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Chandler thanked Staff for providing reports and Mr. Bolan for his support.
Council Member Jarriel encouraged all to attend regular meetings.
Council Member McAuley announced he would not be in attendance for the May 16, 2023, meeting.
Vice Mayor Clark shared City Police Officers were professional, polite, and thorough during a recent
encounter she had.
Mayor Watford reminded all of the fundraiser for Our Village Okeechobee on May 13, 2023, at the KOA.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further items of discussion, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 7:55 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 MAY 2,2023,CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 3 OF 3
• • 5-16-2023 Minutes
06-06-2023
�,o�'aF 0K,,, 6. CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
",„
0 r= MAY 16, 2023, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on May 16,
2023, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast (SE) 3rd Avenue, Room 200,
Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was offered by Pastor Don Hanna, First United Methodist Church;
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., Vice Mayor Monica M. Clark, Council Members Noel A. Chandler, and Robert "Bob" J. Jarriel.
David R. McAuley was absent with consent.
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 Jarriel 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. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of May 21 through 27, 2023 as Public Works Week. The
Proclamation was presented to Public Works Director David Allen and read into the record as follows:
"Whereas,public works professionals focus on infrastructure,facilities,emergency management,
and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and the public
health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of; and Whereas, these infrastructures,
facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works
professionals, who are federally mandated first responders, and the engineers, managers, and
employees at all levels of government and the private sector,who are responsible for rebuilding,
improving, and protecting our nation's transportation, waste systems, public buildings, parks,
and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and Whereas, it is in the public
interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and children in the City of Okeechobee to gain knowledge
and maintain ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works first
responders and public works programs in their respective communities; and Whereas, the year
2023 marks the 63rd annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works
Association. Now Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, by virtue of the authority vested in me as
Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of May 21 through 27,
2023, as "National Public Works Week" in the City of Okeechobee, and call upon all citizens to
pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers and employees and to
recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and
quality of life."
B. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of May 2023 as Building Safety Month. The Proclamation was
presented to Building Official Jeffery Newell and read into the record as follows: "Whereas, the City of
Okeechobee is committed to recognizing that our growth and strength depends on the safety and
essential role our homes, buildings and infrastructure play, both in everyday life and when
disasters strike; and WHEREAS, our confidence in the resilience of these buildings that make up
our community is achieved through the devotion of vigilant guardians—building safety and fire
prevention officials,architects,engineers, builders,tradespeople,design professionals, laborers,
plumbers and others in the construction industry—who work year-round to ensure the safe
construction of buildings; and WHEREAS, these guardians are dedicated members of the
International Code Council, a nonprofit, that brings together local, state, territorial, tribal, and
federal officials who are experts in the built environment to create and implement the highest-
quality codes to protect us in the buildings where we live, learn, work, play; and Whereas, these
modern building codes include safeguards to protect the public from hazards such as hurricanes,
snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, floods, and earthquakes; and Whereas, Building Safety
Month is sponsored by the International Code Council to remind the public about the critical role
of our communities' largely unknown protectors of public safety—our local code officials—who
assure us of safe, sustainable, and affordable buildings that are essential to our prosperity;
DRAFT MAY 16, 2023,CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 1 OF 2
• •
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED
B. Continued.and Whereas, It Starts with You,the theme for Building Safety Month 2023,encourages
us all to raise awareness about building safety on a personal,local and global scale;and Whereas,
each year, in observance of Building Safety Month,people all over the world are asked to consider
the commitment to improve building safety, resilience and economic investment at home and in
the community, and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state
building departments, fire prevention bureaus and federal agencies in protecting lives and
property; and Now Therefore, I, Dowling R. Watford, by virtue of the authority vested in me as
Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, Florida,do hereby proclaim the month of May 2023,as Building
Safety Month."
C. Sergeants Jessica Francis and K-9 Luna were recognized by Mayor Watford and Chief Donald Hagan
for their years of service. Sergeant Francis was presented with a pen, engraved with her name, and a
framed Longevity Service Certificate, read into the record as follows: "In recognition of your five years
of service, hard work, and dedication to the City, its citizens, and your fellow employees from
May 2, 2018 through May 2,2023." Sergeant K-9 Luna was presented with a leather K-9 badge holder
and personalized treat jar.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion and second by Vice Mayor Clark and Council Member Jarriel to:
A. Approve the April 2023 Warrant Register [in the amounts: General Fund, $753,904.50; Public Facilities
Improvement Fund, $23,575.99; Capital Improvement Projects Fund, $112,623.74; Industrial
Development Fund, $1,377.00; and Appropriations Grant Fund, $675.00; [as presented]; and
B. Ratify the appointment of John Creasman to the General Employees' Pension Fund Board of Trustees
as the Fifth Member, term being May 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025, replacing Dawn Martin.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Motion and second by Council Member Jarriel and Vice Mayor Clark to read by title only, proposed
Ordinance No. 1273, for Rezoning Petition No. 22-001-R, submitted by Rene Griffith, Registered Agent,
on behalf of the property owner, Be A Man, Buy Land, LLC., to rezone 0.36 +/- unplatted acres from
Holding to Industrial.The property is a triangular-shaped vacant, unaddressed parcel, located contiguous
to the West-side of the East City Limits Boundary Line, North of the railroad tracks, and South of
Northeast 12th Avenue.The proposed use is outdoor storage[as presented in Exhibit 1]. Motion Carried
Unanimously.
City Attorney John Fumero read into the record the title of proposed Ordinance No. 1273, as follows:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE BY REZONING A
CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, FROM
HOLDING TO INDUSTRIAL; PETITION NO. 23-001-R; AMENDING THE ZONING
MAP ACCORDINGLY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion and second by Vice Mayor Clark and Council Member Jarriel to approve the first reading of
proposed Ordinance No. 1273 and set June 20, 2023, as the final public hearing date.
Planner Ben Smith, attending electronically via Zoom, presented the Planning Staff Report which finds
the request is reasonably compatible with adjacent uses and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Planning Staff and Planning Board recommend approval. Motion Carried Unanimously.
B. Motion and second by Council Members Jarriel and Chandler to read by title only, proposed Ordinance
No. 1274, amending Chapter 18, Code Enforcement Procedure, to include a Fine Reduction Process [as
presented in Exhibit 2.] Motion Carried Unanimously.
Attorney Fumero read into the record the title only of proposed Ordinance No. 1274 as follows: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; RELATING
TO REQUESTS FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT FINE REDUCTIONS, AMENDING PART II OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE WITHIN CHAPTER 18 CODE
ENFORCEMENT, ARTICLE II CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE, BY SPECIFICALLY
AMENDING SECTION 18-38 POWERS OF MAGISTRATE; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING
SECTION 18-39 FINE REDUCTION REQUEST PROCESS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
MAY 16,2023, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, PAGE 2 OF 3
• •
VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED
B. Continued. Motion and second by Vice Mayor Clark and Council Member Jarriel to approve the first
reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1274 and set June 20, 2023,as the final public hearing date. Motion
Carried Unanimously.
C. Attorney Fumero reviewed the options for a tax abatement program, utilizing a 15-slide Power Point
presentation,a copy of which has been incorporated into the official minute file.There are three programs:
Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption,Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing, and the Live
Local Act 2023. Following discussion, the Council by consensus agreed not to pursue the matter
further.
D. Motion and second by Council Members Chandler and Jarriel to approve closing City Hall at 1:00 P.M.
on Friday, September 1, 2023, to fumigate City Hall and the Public Safety Building. City Hall will remain
closed through Monday, September 4, 2023 for the Labor Day holiday. Motion Carried Unanimously.
E. The Annual Evaluation of Administrator Ritter was reviewed. On May 2, 2023, Clerk Gamiotea disbursed
individual evaluation forms to the Mayor and Council to complete prior to the meeting. The evaluations
consist of 14 questions and have been incorporated into the official minute file.The Tally Sheet, providing
the final scores as follows: Chandler 5.0, Clark 4.9, Jarriel 5.0, McAuley 4.9, and Watford 4.9; for an
overall average of 4.9 out of 5.0, has also been incorporated into the official minute file.
VII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
• Reviewed Request for Proposals for audit services;
• Drafting ordinance to merge the Police and Fire Pension Plans;
• Ordinances regarding stormwater management, the installation and removal of storm shutters, and the
regulation of food trucks scheduled for discussion at the Planning Board Meeting on May 18, 2023;
• Researching regulations for the distribution and sale of fireworks.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
• Ordinance addressing mandatory water and wastewater connections will be reviewed at a future Council
meeting;
• Reminder of the Memorial Day Event coordinated by the VFW South Post, scheduled for Saturday, May
27, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.
IX. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Jarriel commended the Police Department for their quick response to a citizen complaint.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further items of discussion, Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 6:51 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 MAY 16,2023,CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING,PAGE 3 OF 3