2023-10-03 Handwritten Minutes OCTOBER 3,2023,COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Ap SECOND BUDGET WORKSHOP
HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY ILf Q CiCi A4,17 Lt✓
I. CALL TO ORDER
• Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday,
October 3, 2023, at .tt" P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast (SE) 3rd
Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida.
The invocation was offered by ��� �U� 15�0 I �� .'4��*�`l;ty� ;
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by X a,
• t11c;<A. C..hc p r a r
-IL ATTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Lane Gamiotea to establish a quorum:
PRESENT ABSENT (w/or w/o consent?)
Mayor Watford
Vice Mayor Clark V
Council Member Chandler V te, figttizonsent)
Council Member Jarriel
Council Member McAuley
Staff present were:
City Attorney John Fumero i/• City Clerk Lane Gamiotea
City Administrator Gary Ritter,/ Exec. Assistant Jacqueline Boert-'
Police Chief Donald Hagan V Deputy City Clerk Heather Prince
Public Works Director David AllerV Finance Director India Riedel
General Services Director Patty Burnette'
ill. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items. -
N Q,CU cSLv 0(1 6, A-c.00
B. Motion and second by Council Members � and ► �l'JT1 to approve the
agenda as publishe mended — (
•
'. VOTE: ChandIK , Clark\\ , Jarriel , McAuley lj , Watford l .
Motio Carried/Failed.
C. , There were agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation tor any issues ----.--
not on the agenda.
Handwritten Minutes, 10/3/2023,CC Reg Mfg, Page \ of J�
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mayor Watford proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Proclamation was presented
toffs. Sally Savage, Martha's House, and read into the record as follows: "Whereas, domestic violence is a
crime threatening the safety and lives of women, men, teenagers, and children, directly oLthrough the
traumatic experience of living with it at home; and Whereas, victims of domestic violence are found in
every race, culture, and socioeconomic strata and the cost to our community in lost time at work—
increased emergency services, missed days of school, increased medical bills, and other economic and
socialcos s makes domestic violence a community health issue; and Whereas, the City of Okeechobee
is taking a proactive stance to counter domestic violence through partnerships between Martha's
House, Okeechobee's only certified domestic violence center, law enforcement, school programs, and
more; and Whereas, in the past year, Martha's House has provided emergency services to more than—
790 residents, including over 4,650 bed nights in shelter, 800 hotline calls, 670 safety plans, 9,400 meals
served, and $17,000.00 in direct financial assistance-to local vie i sm and Whereas, the President of the
United States and Congress as well as other Federal agencies have expressed a- commitment to
eliminating domestic violence both nationally and internationally. 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 October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Okeechobee in
recognition of the important work done by Domestic-Violence Programs an victims' service providers.
I urge all citizens to actively participate in the scheduled activities and programs sponsored by Martha's
House of Okeechobee and other community organizations to work toward the elimination of personal
and institutional violence against women and girls." — —
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B. -Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of October 2 through--8,2023-as -Florida Climate- Week.--The
Proclamation was presented to Gizzla Bruck, Public Relations Executive, VoLo Foundation, and read into the
record as follows:"Whereas, the Climate-Change 2023:Synthesis Repot,fisted a-current temperature
rise of 1.1 degrees Celsius leading to constant unnatural weather events bringing disarray to the
planet and its inhabitants, and it reports an increase in weather-related disasters with every rise in
temperature level; and Whereas, Florida and its 825 miles of shoreline and low elevation points of
100-feet above sea level make the State highly susceptible to sea-level rise and other natural
disasters_related to climate changes and the high level of carbon-dioxide; and.poHutio.n also threatens_
to harm Florida's coral reefs and a variety of sea organisms; and Whereas, VoLo Foundation, along
with other--non-profit organizations, local, state, and-federal-partners, elected-leaders, news medics— -
volunteer and professional associations, is committed to educating Florida citizens and visitors
about the-climate-crisis so-they maytake action to bring aboutpositive,influentiat-change protect
their families, business, and themselves; and Whereas, the citizens of Florida are encouraged to
become more aware of our changing climate and participate in the various programs during Florida
Climate Week that will present and discuss solutions by visiting Florida Climate Week.com. 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 wepk of October 2 through 8, 2023, as
FloridaClimateWeek in the City of Okeechobet ',
Handwritten Minutes, 10/3/2023,CC Reg Mtg, Page 4 of 40
V. NEW BUSINES
A. Motion by CAncil Members 1-u and ( ;\Cj, %k!\- to approve ape'
i Agreement the amount of $95,424.00 to Craig A. Smith and Associates for the construction oversight and
certification of the dry retention areas and remaining lake segment of the Commerce Center as recently
- permitted by the South Florida Water Management District under the new Permit No 47-108440-P [as presented
"0. °• i .in Exhibit 1].
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_VOTE: Ch filer ,._C1ark_� ,Jarriel y , McAuley % , Watford y_ _____,___..__
_ _
Motion: arr ei d/Failed. f
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B. Motion to award a bid to B & B Site Development, Inc. based on the recommendation of Craig A. Smith and
Associates, to construct additional dry retention areas and lake segment at the Commerce Center in the amount
of$465,170.97 [as presented in Exhibit 2].etp_ (16 haxtS1444 • 0 VtR�/'.'�r 'bilc : "V �v, Pro �1 Wes•
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VOTE: Chandler ALit , Clark 1 , Jarriel y , McAuley y , Watford y .
MotionCarried/Fai led.
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C. Motion to approve the Legal Services Agreement with Nason, Yeager, Gerson, Harris Fum ero, P.A. in the
amount of $9,900.00 per month or $118,800.00 annually, as outlined in the Scope of Work [as presented in
lExhibit 31 (VI J C kxQ , j/Na OQCy.a.l. ---
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-NOTE: Chandler A1±1__
, Clark / ,Jacriel ) ,MoAuIey/ ,WatfordY_____.
1Motio r:Carried/Failed.
Handwritten Minutes, 10t/312023,CC Reg Mfg,Page of Jr
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VI. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
VII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
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XI. ; COUNCIL COMMENTS
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XII. MAYOR WATFORD ADJOURNED THE MEETING AT J(- C27 P.M.
Handwritten Minutes, 10/3/2023, CC Reg Mtg, Page ,15-- of 5
1
OCTOBER 3,2023,COUNCIL REGULAR EETIN AND.SECOND BUDGET WORKSHOP
HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY p a�l .v- LflC ,
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday,
, October 3, 2023, at (g:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast (SE) 3rd
Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida.``����
The invocation was offered by dot !(.III( 4/16,p1(,Lt/2 3S� ;
followed by the Pled a of Allegiance led by GhcJ)d(rY
n U ; Vmcment Of si(enc in hopor of docsun 6/a Ccid
II. !ATTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Lane Gamiotea to establish a quorum: gek
PRESENT ABSENT (w/or w/o consent?)
Mayor Watford `/
Vice Mayor Clark ✓
Council Member Chandler ✓ fit)
'Council Member Jarriel ✓
Council Member McAuley
_I Staff present were:
City Attorney John Fumero City Clerk Lane Gamiotea
City Administrator Gary Ritter Exec. Assistant Jacqueline Boer
Police Chief Donald Hagan Deputy City Clerk Heather Prince
Public Works Director David Allen Finance Director India Riedel
General Services Director Patty Burnette
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items.
offend -ew mess i m g, 6hcau(d read a Sid, /-)61- ec Ccwtr?aci
B. Motion and second by Co bers (JGc-rrie/ and h9c-ig elect to approve the
agenda as published mended.
VOTE: Chandler t , Clark (j,e&, Jarriel (j,U-- , McAuley i .CA.. , Watford r-- .
Motion: Carried/Failed.
C. There were agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues
not on the agenda.
i
0 k
Handwritten Minutes, 10/3/2023, CC Reg Mtg, Page 1 of �
IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Mayor Watford proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Proclamation was presented
to Ms. Sally Savage, Martha's House, and read into the record as follows: "Whereas, domestic violence is a
crime threatening the safety and lives of women, men, teenagers, and children, directly or through the
traumatic experience of living with it at home; and Whereas, victims of domestic violence are found in
every race, culture, and socioeconomic strata and the cost to our community in lost time at work,
increased emergency services, missed days of school, increased medical bills, and other economic and
social costs makes domestic violence a community health issue; and Whereas, the City of Okeechobee
is taking a proactive stance to counter domestic violence through partnerships between Martha's
House, Okeechobee's only certified domestic violence center, law enforcement, school programs, and
more; and Whereas, in the past year, Martha's House has provided emergency services to more than
790 residents, including over 4,650 bed nights in shelter, 800 hotline calls, 670 safety plans, 9,400 meals
served, and $17,000.00 in direct financial assistance to local victims; and Whereas, the President of the
United States and Congress as well as other Federal agencies have expressed a commitment to
eliminating domestic violence both nationally and internationally. 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 October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Okeechobee in _
recognition of the important work done by Domestic Violence Programs and victims' service providers.
I urge all citizens to actively participate in the scheduled activities and programs sponsored by Martha's
House of Okeechobee and other community organizations to work toward the elimination of personal
and institutional violence against women and girls„ak,
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Mayor Watford-proclaimed the week of October 2 through 8, 2023 as Florida Climate Week. The
Proclamation was presented to Gizzla Bruck, Public Relations Executive, VoLo Foundation, and read into the
record as follows: "Whereas, the Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report, listed a current temperature
rise of 1.1 degrees Celsius leading to constant unnatural weather events bringing disarray to the
planet and its inhabitants, and it reports an increase in weather-related disasters with every rise in
temperature level; and Whereas, Florida and its 825 miles of shoreline and low elevation points of
100-feet above sea level make the State highly susceptible to sea-level rise and other natural
disasters related to climate change, and the high level of carbon dioxide; and pollution also threatens
to harm Florida's coral reefs and a variety of sea organisms; and Whereas, VoLo Foundation, along
with other non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal partners, elected leaders, news medica,
volunteer and professional associations, is committed to educating Florida citizens and visitors
about the cTima a crisis so they may take action�o bring about positive, influential change to protect
their families, business, and themselves; and Whereas, the citizens of Florida are encouraged to
become more aware of our changing climate and participate in the various programs during Florida
Climate Week that will present and discuss solutions by visiting Florida Climate Week.com. 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 October 2 through 8, 2023, as
FloridaClimateWeek in the City of Okeechobee."
reka
Handwritten Minutes, 10/3/2023, CC Reg Mtg, Page of 4 5
r
• -
NEW BUSINESS
A. Motion by Council Members etak' and Ch (,e/V' to approve an
- - - Agreement Agreement in the amount of $95,424.00 to Craig A. Smith and Associates for the construction oversight and
certification of the dry retention areas and remaining lake segment of the Commerce Center as recently
permitted by the South Florida Water Management District under the new Permit No 47-108440-P [as presented
in Exhibit 1].
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required as bad-Otwincgs,plavlde 7 Orla.nda -cues, aOkrtrathy wail p'iid
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Motion: Carried/ ailed. U
B. Motion to award a Bid to B & B Site Development, Inc. based on the recommendation of Craig A. Smith and
Associates, to construct additional dry retention areas and lake segment at the Commerce Center in the amount
I of$465,170.97 [as presented in Exhibit 2].
intril-Oh ChaMleil AcPul
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- recomrn>zncL award 4aB4 6, bn-Stic egpertino, tcmr lI•C,k- 1,66, akea_.
- - — - 4Iitfi t d ffaena uI bid, 8+g Confidant, .!X- ailea4d ih ±he Bete&,__
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Nc - 4 % mat qu.ctiified, recaimc l n-I_ #.5 -
i VOTE: Chandler , Clark , Jarriel , McAuley ,Watford
- �� .
Motion: Carried/Failed. (J
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FC Yp ih ? USno tver c C2� c lak nta toths regUcs .6 aaar nYn ii ..
C. l Motion approve the Legal Services Agreement with Nason, Yeager, Gerson, Harris & Fumero, P.A. in t e
amount of $9,900.00. per month or $118,800.00 annually, as outlined in the Scope of Work [as presented in
Exhibit 3].
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VOTE: Ch. ! • er At `, Clark9G ,Jarriel (.'- , McAuley,Watford . -
Motior -•/Failed.
Handwritten Minutes, 10/3/2023, CC Reg Mtg, Page ' of 6
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VI. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE
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VII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
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XI. COUNCIL COMMENTS
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XII MAYOR WATFORD ADJOURNED THE MEETING AT P.M.1_0' q
Handwritten inu es, 312 eg age o