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2024-05-07 Hand Written Minutes• • MAY 7, 2024, COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY J-Gan'LW&0(-- CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at _LP: Db P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue (AVE), Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was offered by followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by II. ATTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Lane Gamiotea to establish a quorum: PRESENT ABSENT (w/ or w/o consent?) Mayor Watford ✓ Vice Mayor Clark �— Council Member Chandler ✓ Council Member Jarriel Council Member McAuley �— Staff present were: City Attorney John Fumero City Administrator Gary Ritter ✓ City Clerk Lane Gamiotea ✓ Assistant Secretary Cayetana Ortega (4f 'k6> Police Chief Donald Hagan ✓ Deputy City Clerk Katie Rogers --- HR Generalist Heather Prince ✓ General Services Patty Burnette v", Public Works Maintenance Foreman Willie Hall L-' III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items. Ncyr4--,- B. Motion and second -by-Council Members and to adopt �emencled.the agenda u VOTE: Chandler, Clarke , Jarriel , McAuleyWatfordr Motion: rrie Failed. C. There were agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues not on the agenda. IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS A. Introduction of new Contracts Manager, Mr. Andres Rodriguez, by Administrator Ritter. ��_ S �i:ch�.-pry �:_, ���,F..f �i� ,('y`� t �' , � a.,�.,c.G ►�-�'Ul � cv� T uu). 4-o (44 -1 Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page of IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED B. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of May 2024 as Building Safety Month [as presented in Exhibit 11. The Proclamation was presented to Mr. Jeffrey Newell, Ci -[y Building Official and was 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; and Whereas, Mission Possible, the theme for Building Safety Month 2024, 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. 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 2024 as Building Safety Month. JQ� cllrcuuJ (r:.{ -n aTVik yrsr� C. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of May 6 through 10, 2024 as Economic Development Week [as presented in Exhibit 21. The Proclamation was presented to Ms. Kaylee King, Ms. Alex Tijerina and Mr. Frank Irby of the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation and was read into the record as follows: �oc� �s-�Cn��' �` tvys ��wn "Whereas, more than 100,000 economic development or related professionals worldwide are committed to creating, retaining, and expanding top -tier opportunities that facilitate long term, equitable community growth; and Whereas, the economic development profession cultivates thriving neighborhoods, champions sustainability and resiliency, boosts economic prosperity, enhances the quality of life, and builds robust tax bases; and Whereas, economic development professionals operate throughout diverse economic environments, including rural, suburban, and urban settings; local, state, provincial, and national governments; public-private partnerships; chambers of commerce; institutions of higher education; among many similar organizations and associations; and Whereas, economic development professionals serve as stewards, bridging connections between community stakeholders such as residents, business leaders, elected officials, industry executives, and educational administrations, to collaborate in promoting job creation, community investment, infrastructure advancements, and an optimistic future; and Whereas, economic developers contribute to the betterment and progress of Okeechobee, which is located between two regions: the Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity and the Florida Treasure Coast; and Whereas, since 1926, the International Economic Development Council has been a leader and driving force in advancing economic development initiatives, with a steadfast commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in communities of all sizes worldwide through equity, inclusion, sustainability, resilience, and innovation; and 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 May 6 through 10, 2024, as Economic Development Week and remind individuals of the importance of this community celebration which supports expanding opportunities, bettering lives, and moving society forward." 4- Corv�,�ttn�r.�.�?� Qu&SS Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page of • 0 IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED D. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week [as presented in Exhibit 3]. The Proclamation was presented to Clerk Gamiotea, Deputy City Clerk Rogers, and Assistant Secretary Ortega and was read into the record as follows: "Whereas, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world; and Whereas, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants; and Whereas, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels; and Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all; and Whereas, the Professional Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community; and Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional organizations; and Whereas, it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk. 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 May 5 through 11, 2024 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week and further extend appreciation to our Certified Municipal Clerk, Lane Gamiotea, Deputy City Clerk Katie Rogers, Administrative Secretary Cayetana Ortega, and to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent." l� `W Dawe y vim - V. CONSENT AGENDA�_ Motion and second by Council Members J ;UIR _ - and to: A. Dispense with the reading and approve the Minutes for April 16, 2024 [as presented in Exhibit 4]. B. Appoint Mr. Frank Irby as a Regular Member to the Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) Board of Directors, term being May 8, 2024, through March 1, 2025, [replacing Mr. Tommy Clay as presented in Exhibit 5]. VOTE: Charodle , Clark, Jarriel `/b, , McAuley ,Q , Watford. Motion arrie ailed. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. OUA update by John Hayford, Executive Director. - \ rn I Ka5fi-,tv -,R� ti . Q ' QA- wu- lea { LTi, 470 P-" do - `�(CJUt C-1 4-c, vs. 6c. r—GwV vA S I L Xt VYtVA- - c5v' �V, Fj' �r civ C 4c) -D PIS 4 Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page 3 of I /if � -qv� 'Q�q 6-Y w , fl-empg (io Lr�T'Q w - 9,f Y� -�Xo^n -)NA )�nVMSJD -AZIO P°x" 1 2- N V °-� 4fy'Q3 ate► �91�� 0 0 VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED B. Motion and second by Council Members L11, and�1`c� to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1275, adopting Application No. 23 -002 -TA revamping the Stormwater Management regulations within Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances [as presented in Exhibit 6]. VOTE: Chandler Clark l X11, , Jarriel ( ,ACL , McAuley T ff,� , Watford Motion: arriedl Failed. City Attorney John Fumero read into the record the title of proposed Ordinance No. 1275 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING PART II OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE CODE OF ORDINANCES, SUBPART B LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, WITHIN CHAPTER 78 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY SPECIFICALLY AMENDING ARTICLE IV STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, AS SUBMITTED IN LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION TEXT AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 23 -002 -TA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Motion and second by Council Members �J Cl��l�o Q and C�� to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1275 and set June 4, 2024, as the final Public Hearing date. CSR &-i-� Q pAztJcuvo s6ryj- (vc-U-c Qac- l C� Cao QQ. tT 7 X05 C\C « (a� C Ockn4 5+t)p cA &oo5 c',*j Ca& . w-- ROLL CALL VOTE: Chandler I a Clark Y , Jarriel_, McAuley " � QCT Watford. Motion: arrie ifailed. Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page of lvK Y7 VMOT S -gid -W� -FM�� � cgn�vuLNW ss3 Nil �11�N -E-- VII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE �shw VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE -Vss4� V", sha-tod WL hUk 0_ VaC_ *Xg-, 0,K_ LW Ul� 4 f4 &CuA lc�4, (-5pm- t S'S C_ 1l-k.Q �Gv-�j n iu IX. COUNCIL COMMENTS ISG- �wv x � good r1- . C -IVIO fivi Dbf\1 oC6 -lr wts bho V�L A ; &,4 S W- e l . Fa ax'b -cam r-'CD.i +� sG r�o bLCC . X. MAYOR WATFORD ADJOURNED THE MEETING AT P.M. Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page of 0 • MAY 7, 2024, COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HANDWRITTEN MINUTES BY CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at :00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue (AVE), Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was offered by CO e iukv followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by —rM ;Ayr(ej II. ATTENDANCE taken by City Clerk Lane Gamiotea to establish a quorum: PRESENT ABSENT (w/ or w/o consent?) Mayor Watford Vice Mayor Clark Council Member Chandler Council Member Jarriel Council Member McAuley Staff present were: City Attorney John Fumero City Clerk Lane Gamiotea City Administrator Gary Ritter Assistant Secretary Cayetana Ortega Police Chief Donald Hagan Deputy City Clerk Katie Rogers HR Generalist Heather Prince General Services Patty Burnette Public Works Maintenance Foreman Willie Hall III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Requests f� addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items. B. Motion and second by Council Members �jkrrlP and qk"y to adopt the agenda as published/amended. VOTE: C ler YW , Clark_, Jarriel Qt , McAuley f o—, Watford. Motion Ca i d/Failed. C. There were agenda item forms or comment cards submitted for public participation for any issues not on the agenda. IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS A. Introduction of new Contracts Manager, Mr. Andres Rodriguez, by Administrator Ritter. Caines J ism BYU _ qo�v - /chi �JezS . r4Lrnc 7b haL l711n. ray .s 3rdky. Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page ` of I 0 • IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED B. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of May 2024 as Building Safety Month [as presented in Exhibit 11. The Proclamation was presented to Mr. Jeffrey Newell, Ci:y Building Official and was 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; and Whereas, Mission Possible, the theme for Building Safety Month 2024, 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. 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 2024 as Building Safety Month." Thci r 6A Cvvn� l i by 3gpor4 p 'Y -P31- P14:1. C. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of May 6 through 10, 2024 as Economic Development Week [as presented in Exhibit 21. The Proclamation was presented to Ms. Kaylee King Ms. Alex Tijerina, and Mr. Frank Irby of the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation and was read into the record as follows: "Whereas, more than 100,000 economic development or related professionals worldwide are committed to creating, retaining, and expanding top -tier opportunities that facilitate long term, equitable community growth; and Whereas, the economic development profession cultivates thriving neighborhoods, champions sustainability and resiliency, boosts economic prosperity, enhances the quality of life, and builds robust tax bases; and Whereas, economic development professionals operate throughout diverse economic environments, including rural, suburban, and urban settings; local, state, provincial, and national governments; public-private partnerships; chambers of commerce; institutions of higher education; among many similar organizations and associations; and Whereas, economic development professionals serve as stewards, bridging connections between community stakeholders such as residents, business leaders, elected officials, industry executives, and educational administrations, to collaborate in promoting job creation, community investment, infrastructure advancements, and an optimistic future; and Whereas, economic developers contribute to the betterment and progress of Okeechobee, which is located between two regions: the Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity and the Florida Treasure Coast; and Whereas, since 1926, the International Economic Development Council has been a leader and driving force in advancing economic development initiatives, with a steadfast commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in communities of all sizes worldwide through equity, inclusion, sustainability, resilience, and innovation; and 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 May 6 through 10, 2024, as Economic Development Week and remind individuals of the importance of this community celebration which supports expanding opportunities, bettering lives, and moving society forward." ay kw svCS_'t%k f clue- ,V e0lnMo7t l P&rAXrs h c O Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page sZ, of 3 IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED D. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week [as presented in Exhibit 3]. The Proclamation was presentE!d to Clerk Gamiotea, Deputy City Clerk Rogers, and Assistant Secretary Ortega and was read into the record as follows: "Whereas, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world; and Whereas, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants; and Whereas, the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels; and Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all; and Whereas, the Professional Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community; and Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional organizations; and Whereas, it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office: of the Professional Municipal Clerk. 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 May 5 through 11, 2024 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week and further extend appreciation to our Certified Municipal Clerk, Lane Gamiotea, Deputy City Clerk Katie Rogers, Administrative Secretary Cayetana Ortega, and to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent." V. CONSENT AGENDA Motion and second by Council Members `lam&W10 and ane to: A. Dispense with the reading and approve the Minutes for April 16, 2024 [as presented in Exhibit 4]. B. Appoint Mr. Frank Irby as a Regular Member to the Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) Board of Directors, term being May 8, 2024, through March 1, 2025, [replacing Mr. Tommy Clay as presented in Exhibit 5]. VOTE: Chi ler _ , Clark Y.to— , Jarriel 7?a— , McAuley , Watford,, eo, Motion !'Ced/Failed. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. OUA update by John Hayford, Executive Director. Sw j�"& is eoAA6, syS i So servik Phl C . )Vf, ne. jrq e. -� Qs-� (� ��e�e- bppN rakm �.s'lax� = elP�nerrl�. Sa�;�ar� fbl" S • Cnl kid Syrkm LOLuric im �t ���t /LQte �ErYld�ncrt, fir lV Co%*Ao01 Yp-h* �r Dw: 3NK. �ra�e c. UUtd s�rvi��� prw,'n iw'ot • - . .14Y rt Lo�v-= pvrnr.5- jZ) r Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page 3 of -1 Uu q vpdoZ- • DVV � -olkV4ir f n m (O&S4 D e iz Ty yam. C= -DW' S\ 5-4,vl ® 10 wilt rna✓t, DW. fo = NO Low p✓essurt� Dfftrtd 4 1bLe,. zn sh rn t VI. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED ./ B. Motion and second by Council Members MWAKl and �G�'I�iQ( to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1275, adopting Application No. 23 -002 -TA revamping the Stormwater Management regulations within Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances [as presented in Exhibit 6]. VOTE: Chandler ' , Clarke _, Jarriel ,McAuley fid- ,Watfordr+�4 Motion: ar'ried/Failed, City Attorney John Fumero read into the record the title of proposed Ordinance No. 1275 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING PART II OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE CODE OF ORDINANCES, SUBPART B LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, WITHIN CHAPTER 78 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY SPECIFICALLY AMENDING ARTICLE IV STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, AS SUBMITTED IN LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION TEXT AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 23 -002 -TA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Motion and second by Council Members jQrP 9- and ll&r�— to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 1275 and set June 4, 2024, as the final Public Hearing date. C�� = a2�air2 s�' v� yf, l lotd fJ14e5 VL fAkwo/day Wet 4 O V kY wl W y 9V god s -pep w- Y- M CA 14prov-'rJ4-- Drt' vto Py 0 InS14 Rrmt4 re? by zV1. vy&0� lot&-/ 670v� h2lI 114h Is 4��Ukold G u., m-mk ms q >L- Pja"� iit Ad -Ir �W' kfN 14 b2--dtVkV14 7'� #lEd lthli p lo� of i0f U� -rA00t 1MA1dTn"e4j--.o-- I���/C 00(d car-; /W As �ym COS4 o-� 07W ID cl;y- V14 s exjmp-,?- .rr - yo- - ser 7k- iai- Co) ROLL CALL VOTE: Chandler—M-1 McAuley y1eA, Clark Yy ea Watford esu o l , Motion: Carra (Failed. Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page of I Io i�x; 1409 dDesn k o�-Ii any pT y, 3-:r'e Thb wov I � 6L prop �b i 41 Sr Sc5 Blvq__ (*fM wovldn4 tte_. &blf 7it;) Pxr��'fr�d .fir. Y� (Ln ko (on r hNpzn . VII. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE worldyl ©a OPZGatti 0� puble�-w --0; ah0�$47 In VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE f v vmzo .la imp" � cin sys�m . Un Lh6USQ pftw-to,,- NrL S+ Cbow &fhkr Ow rtvd, Dry yc)v wow Ap /War ARl" a,& 'ow'• jr1lj l l hretyuoaj buf n.o+ i n-ker64ed .. . Ddu I lui.vt 60-n n rt iF Ad wl fie- thjw, . ,via A 4:�Wd Trw_�6-7 D 4rnt l ,j5S s IX. COUNCIL COMMENTS hlC: 7tnked -mock- �t� 4 i1'I C P- -61$Ul �C� camp y /l, 121,14 !� AV- �3� ��s ��uf �mr R�lj +rvr.,Fl X. MAYOR WATFORD ADJOURNED THE MEETING AT P.M. Handwritten Minutes, 5/7/2024, CC Reg Mtg, Page 7 of