OCSB 2024-2025 School Resource Officer Program AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, OKEECHOBEE FLORIDA
AND
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,FLORIDA
FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM (SRO)
THIS REVISED AGREEMENT, made and entered into this October 15, 2024, by and between THE
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, (hereinafter referred
to as the"SCHOOL BOARD"),and THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,FLORIDA, (hereinafter referred
to as the "CITY").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY desire to provide Law enforcement, counseling, and
law-related educational service programs to the schools of Okeechobee County as defined in
Florida Statutes (F.S.) 1006.12; and
WHEREAS, an SRO Program has been proposed for the school system of Okeechobee, Florida as
hereinafter described; and
WHEREAS, the SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY recognize the potential outstanding benefits of the
SRO Program to the citizens of Okeechobee County, Florida, and particularly to the students of
the school system of Okeechobee County, Florida; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the SCHOOL BOARD,the CITY, and the citizens of Okeechobee
County to establish this program.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the
SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I: SCOPE OF SERVICES
An SRO Program is hereby established in the school system of Okeechobee County, Florida for ten (10)
months as follows:
A. Elementary School Staffing - One Officer per school (1)
ARTICLE II: RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE CITY
The CITY shall provide SROs as follows:
A. Number of SROs:
1. The CITY shall assign one (1) regularly employed SROs to the SCHOOL BOARD of
Okeechobee County,Florida,to work designated schools as agreed upon between both parties.
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B. Regular Duty Hours of SROs
1. Each SRO shall be assigned to a school on a full-time basis of eight (8) hours on those days
that the school is in session. The work hours shall be determined by the school principal and
CITY's Office supervisor. The SRO may be temporarily reassigned by the CITY or his/her
designee during school holidays, vacations or during a period of any police emergency.
C. Duties of School Resource Officers as defined in F.S. 1006.12:
1. SRO shall abide by SCHOOL BOARD policies and school rules and shall consult.with and
coordinate activities through the school principal. The SRO shall be responsible to the Law
enforcement agency in all matters relating to employment.
Activities conducted by the School Resource Officer, which are part of the regular instructional
program of the school, shall be under the direction of the principal. This relationship will not
be delegated.
2. The SRO will comply with all applicable Federal and State Civil Rights, Antidiscrimination
and Anti-Bullying laws and regulations including but not limited to Title VI and VII, Civil
Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (Non-
Discrimination against the Handicapped), and Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition,
the SRO will comply with the requirements of Florida Statute 1012.465 (the Jessica Lunsford
Act). It is expressly understood that upon receipt of competent and persuasive evidence of such
discrimination/bullying, the SCHOOL BOARD shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement for breach. (Board Policies 3.33, 5.321, and 6.43)
3. Perform law enforcement functions within the school setting.
4. Identify and prevent,through counseling and referral,delinquent behavior,including substance
abuse.
5. Foster a better understanding of the law enforcement function.
6. Develop positive concepts of law enforcement.
7. Develop a better appreciation of citizen rights, obligations, and responsibilities.
8. Provide information about crime prevention.
9. Provide assistance and support for crime victims identified within the school setting, including
abused children.
10. Promote positive relations between students and law enforcement officers.
11. Enhance knowledge of the fundamental concepts and structure of law.
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12. The SRO shall make himself/herself available for conferences with students, parents, and
faculty members in order to assist them with problems. When in a counseling capacity, the
SRO will be subject to all confidentiality issues pursuant to Chapter 39,F.S.and confidentiality
rules and ethics as accepted and defined in state laws and professional standards. The duty
must be approved by the unit supervisor.
13. The SRO shall become familiar with all community agencies which offer assistance to youths
and their families, such as mental health clinics, drug treatment centers, etc. The SRO shall
make referrals to such agencies, when necessary, thereby acting as a resource person to the
students, faculty, and staff of the school.
14. The SRO shall develop expertise in presenting various subjects to the students.
15. The SRO shall assist the principal in developing plans and strategies to prevent and/or
minimize dangerous situations which may result from student unrest and emergency situations.
16. Should it become necessary to conduct formal police interviews with the students, the SRO
shall adhere to rules and guidelines set forth in the Florida State Statutes.
17. The SRO shall take law enforcement action as required. As soon as practicable,the SRO shall
make the principal of the school aware of such action. At the principal's request,the SRO shall
take appropriate law enforcement action against intruders and unwanted guests or individuals
who have committed a crime or delinquent act that poses a threat to school safety who may
appear at the school or related school functions.
18. The primary function of the SRO is a campus Law Enforcement Officer and includes
enforcement of items listed in this document pursuant to F.S. 1006.12. The SRO shall give
assistance to other police and deputies in matters regarding his/her school assignment,
whenever necessary. The SRO will also act, when necessary, as a liaison between his/her
school and other government agencies (i.e., law enforcement, DCF, State Attorney, etc.).
19. The SRO will submit reports and statistical data, as necessary.
20. The SRO shall not act as a school disciplinarian, as disciplining students is a school
responsibility. SRO are not to be used for regularly assigned lunchroom duties, security posts,
hall monitors, truancy, or other monitoring duties. If there is a problem area, the SRO may
assist the school until the problem is solved.
21. When an SRO is required to perform duties outside the school, (i.e., court, training,
depositions, vacation. Etc.), coverage will be provided.
22. The SRO, or other assigned law enforcement personnel, may provide security at SCHOOL
BOARD meetings and campus functions beyond the school day when students, parents and
the public are present.
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23. The SRO will participate in Active Assailant/Emergency Drills.
24. The SRO will, along with a SCHOOL BOARD employee, participate in the Crime Watch
Programs.
25. The SRO will participate in school-based threat assessment teams.
26. The SRO will perform his/her duties in CITY's Office duty uniform. Civilian clothes may be
worn with the approval of the unit supervisor.
27. All violations of the law will be reported to the school's resource officer by all school
personnel.
28. All SROs and the Law Enforcement Supervisor will meet with their assigned principal and
together they will develop an operational plan to work in harmony with guidelines set forth
within this document which will determine the focus of the SRO Program at their respective
school.
ARTICLE Ill: RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
The SCHOOL BOARD shall provide the full-time SRO with the following materials and facilities which
are deemed necessary for the performance of their duties.
A. A secure and private office located as close to the principal's office as possible. The SRO will be
the only one assigned to the office due to the sensitive and confidential information maintained
within. The office will be voice secure for purposes of interviews and counseling. The office will
contain the following materials and equipment.
1. Desk and chair
2. 4-drawer legal locking file cabinet
3. 2 visitor chairs for counseling and interviews
4. Office supplies as requested
5. A computer, Internet access, email, and secretarial assistance
6. A safe
7. It is imperative that SROs be able to communicate with school personnel on their radio
frequencies. If the SRO's primary school is utilizing a frequency band not compatible with the
SRO's issued radio, the school will provide the SRO with a radio.
B. All school personnel shall report to the SRO any acts that pose a threat to school safety, whether
committed by a student or adult. The disposition of each reported incident shall be properly
documented.
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ARTICLE IV: FINANCING OF THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM
A. The SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY agree to share in the overall costs associated with the School
Resource Officer Program. Exceptions involve grant provisions for the next three years. It is
agreed that the Okeechobee County SCHOOL BOARD will pay the CITY$68,400 for the budget
year 2024-2025. Payment shall be made in quarterly installments pursuant to billing submitted to
the SCHOOL BOARD by the CITY. The amount funded will be negotiated each year prior to July
1s`. This payment will cover the one (1) SRO provided by the CITY.
B. Any vehicle or equipment purchased, leased, rented, or donated to the CITY for use in the SRO
Program shall become an asset of the CITY and therefore, will be subject to CITY's regulations,
and policy governing use.
C. Once the vehicle or equipment has been designated for use by the SRO, it will be used expressly
by the designated SRO or the SRO unit.
ARTICLE V: EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
SRO shall remain employees of the CITY and shall not be employees of the SCHOOL BOARD. The
SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY acknowledge that the SRO shall remain responsive to the chain of
command of the CITY OF OKEECHOBEE FLORIDA.
ARTICLE VI: APPOINTMENT AND TRAINING OF SRO
A. Appointment of SRO will be made solely by the CITY in accordance with CITY's Office policy
with input from the school principal.
B. All SROs will receive a minimum of 40 hours of training as determined by the SRO supervisor
and school personnel.
C. The SCHOOL BOARD of Okeechobee recognizes that within the total payment amount,a sum of
$500 per SRO is earmarked for annual School Resource Officer training.
ARTICLE VII: DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER: REPLACEMENT
A. In the event the principal of the school to which the SRO is assigned feels that the particular SRO
is not effectively performing his/her duties and responsibilities, as outlined in F.S. 1006.12, the
principal shall recommend to the CITY, or designee, that the SRO be removed and shall state the
reasons in writing.
1. If the CITY so desires,the principal shall meet with the SRO and his/her immediate supervisors
to mediate or resolve any problems which may exist. At such a meeting, specified members of
the staff of the school,to which SRO is assigned, may be required to be present. The CITY or
supervisor may call for mediation to resolve any disputes.
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2. If, within a reasonable amount of time after commencement of such mediation, the problem
cannot be resolved or mediated,then the SRO may be removed from the program at the school
and replaced with another qualified SRO in accordance with Article VI.
B. The CITY may dismiss or reassign an SRO based upon agency rules and regulations.
C. In the event of the resignation, dismissal, or reassignment of an SRO, or in the case of long-term
absences by an SRO,the CITY will provide a temporary or permanent relief, as soon as possible.
ARTICLE VIII: SRO SCHEDULE
A. An SRO will be assigned to each school designated in Article I from the beginning of the school
year to the end of the school year.
B. An SRO may be assigned to the summer school session from the beginning to the end of the
session.
C. The SRO will perform his/her duties at his/her assigned campus under normal conditions. The
SRO may flex his/her time to compensate for hours worked, if approved by the unit supervisor.
ARTICLE IX: HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
The CITY agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold the SCHOOL BOARD, its employees, and agents
harmless from any claim, demand, suit, loss, cost, expense, or damage which may be asserted, claimed,
or recovered against or from the SCHOOL BOARD, its agents or employees by reason of any damage to
property or personal injury including death sustained by any persons whomsoever, and which damage,
injury, or death arises out of, or is incident to, or in any way connected with, the performance of this
agreement and the performance by SRO's in their law enforcement duties.
ARTICLE X: TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon a sixty (60) day written notice that any other
party has failed to substantially perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
This Agreement may be terminated without cause by either party upon a ninety (90) day written notice.
Termination of the Agreement may only be accomplished as provided herein. In the event this Agreement
is terminated,compensation will be made to the CITY for all services performed to the date of termination.
The SCHOOL BOARD shall be entitled to prorated refund for that period of time when SRO services are
not provided because of termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI: GOOD FAITH
The SCHOOL BOARD, the CITY, their agents, and their employees agree to cooperate in good faith in
fulfilling the terms of this Agreement. Unforeseen difficulties or questions will be resolved by negotiation
between the Superintendent's Office and the CITY.
Page 6 of 8
ARTICLE XII: MODIFICATION
This document constitutes the full understanding of the parties and no terms, conditions, understandings
or agreements purporting to modify or vary the terms of this document shall be binding unless hereafter
made in writing and signed by the party to be charged.
ARTICLE XIII: NON-ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement,and each and every covenant herein,shall not be capable of assignment unless the express
written consent of the SCHOOL BOARD and the CITY is obtained.
ARTICLE XIV: MERGER
This Agreement constitutes a final written expression of all the terms of this Agreement and is a complete
and exclusive statement of those terms.
The contractor affirmatively states that it is registered with and uses the E-Verify system, as defined in
F.S. 448.095, to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees.
Contractor's Duties Regarding Public Records
(A) Compliance with Florida Laws
Contractor must provide public access to all records concerning this Contract according to
applicable Florida laws including Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. If Contractor asserts any
exemptions to Florida's public records laws,Contractor has the burden of establishing and
defending the exemption.
(B) Recordkeeping and Public Access
Under Florida Statutes 119.0701(3)(a), a request to inspect or copy public records relating
to a School District contract for services must be made directly to the School District. In
addition, Contractor must: (1) keep and maintain public records required by the School
District in order to perform the service; (2) upon request from the School District's
custodian of public records, provide the School District with a copy of the requested
records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost
that does not exceed the cost provided by law;(3)ensure that public records that are exempt
or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed
except as authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion
of the contract if the Contractor does not transfer the records to the School District;and(4)
transfer, at no cost,to the School District,all public records in possession of the Contractor
or keep and maintain public records required by the School district to perform the service.
If the Contractor transfers all public records to the School District upon completion of the
Contract, the Contractor shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or
Page 7 of 8
confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Contractor
keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the Contract, the Contractor shall
meet all applicable requirements of retaining the public records. All records stored
electronically must be provided to the School District upon request from the School
District's custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information
technology systems of the School District. At the conclusion of the Contract with the
School District, Contractor shall provide to the School District all electronic records
associated with this Contract on electronic media(CD-ROM or USB flash drive).
(C) IF THE CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE
APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE
CONTRACTOR'S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO
THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT
TELEPHONE NUMBER 863-462-5000 x 1026, EMAIL ADDRESS
Dylan.tedders@okeeschools.org AND MAILING ADDRESS: 700 S.W. Second
Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34974.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized
officers.
AS TO THE CITY:
ATTEST: Dowling R. W/atford, Jr., yor
' 6---
14C46 Date: Le 0
Lane Gamiotea MC City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
R. G egory Hyden, City Attorn
AS TO THE SCHOOL BOARD: Date: 00/1-5//
Dylan Tedders, Superintendent
Page 8 of 8
• �
•
Citg of Oki eehob zz, Florida
Off ie(z of thQ Citg ark
August 7, 2024
Mr. Dylan Tedders, Superintendent
Okeechobee County School Board
700 Southwest 2nd Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34974
RE: Fiscal Year 2024-25 School Resource Officer Agreement
Dear Mr. Tedders:
Enclosed, please find two Agreements for the School Resource Officer Program,
executed by City Officials. Kindly, return the original, after appropriate execution, to the
Office of the City Clerk, 55 SE 3rd Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34974.
Should you require any additional information, please contact my office at
Iamiotea@cityofokeechobee.com or (863) 763-3372 ext. 9814. With best regards, I am
Sincerely,
I I..r I
Lane Gamiotea, CMC
City Clerk
Enclosures: 2
LG/kr
E-copy w/o enclosures: City Administrator Ritter
Police Chief Hagan
Citg flail •55 S.E.Third fiv¢nu¢,Room 100 . Ok¢¢ehob¢¢,Florida 34,974,-2903
• 863.763-3372 mt.9814. • Fax:863.763.1686 • www.eitgofokggehobQQ.eom
Katie Rogers
From: Katie Rogers
Sent: Thursday,August 8, 2024 7:19 AM
To: Belen Reyna; Bettye Taylor;Jeanna Kovac; Donald Hagan
Cc: Lane Gamiotea
Subject: FW: FY 2024-25 OCSB SRO Agreement
Importance: High
Good morning.
I am resending this, and copying in a few, just in case it was overlooked yesterday afternoon.
Katie Rogers I Deputy Clerk
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
55 SE 3RD AVENUE, OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
PHONE: (863) 763-3372 EXT. 9814
FAX: (863) 763-1686
EMAIL: DEPUPTYCLERK@CITYOFOKEECHOBEE.COM
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address
released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead,
contact this office by phone or in writing, Florida Statute 668.6076.
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISCLAIMER: Florida has a very broad public
records law. Most written communications to or from local officials regarding city business are public
records available to the public and media upon request. Your correspondence via e-mail, text
message, voice mail, etc., may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
From: Katie Rogers
Sent:Wednesday,August 7, 2024 1:55 PM
To: Donald Hagan<dhagan@cityofokeechobee.com>
Cc: Lane Gamiotea<Igamiotea@cityofokeechobee.com>; Caya Ortega<clerksecretary@cityofokeechobee.com>
Subject: FY 2024-25 OCSB SRO Agreement
Importance: High
Hey there!
Are you going to have an Officer deliver the signed agreement at the School Board Office for them to
execute and return? If so, I have it ready to be picked up; otherwise, I will send Caya.
Katie Rogers I Deputy Clerk
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
55 SE 3RD AVENUE, OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
PHONE: (863) 763-3372 EXT. 9814
FAX: (863) 763-1686
EMAIL: DEPUPTYCLERK(C1�CITYOFOKEECHOBEE.COM
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address
released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead,
contact this office by phone or in writing, Florida Statute 668.6076.
i
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISCLAIMER: Florida has a very broad public
records law. Most written communications to or from local officials regarding city business are public
records available to the public and media upon request. Your correspondence via e-mail, text
message, voice mail, etc., may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
2
Katie Rogers
From: Katie Rogers
Sent: Wednesday,August 7, 2024 1:55 PM
To: Donald Hagan
Cc: Lane Gamiotea;Caya Ortega
Subject: FY 2024-25 OCSB SRO Agreement
Importance: High
Hey there!
Are you going to have an Officer deliver the signed agreement at the School Board Office for them to
execute and return? If so, I have it ready to be picked up; otherwise, I will send Caya.
Katie Rogers I Deputy Clerk
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
55 SE 3RD AVENUE, OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
PHONE: (863)763-3372 EXT. 9814
FAX: (863) 763-1686
EMAIL: DEPUPTYCLERK q@CITYOFOKEECHOBEE.COM
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address
released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead,
contact this office by phone or in writing, Florida Statute 668.6076.
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISCLAIMER: Florida has a very broad public
records law. Most written communications to or from local officials regarding city business are public
records available to the public and media upon request. Your correspondence via e-mail, text
message, voice mail, etc., may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
1
410
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
t AUGUST 6, 2024, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AND FIRST BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
OFFICIAL MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on August
6, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast (SE) 3td Avenue (AVE), Room
200, Okeechobee, Florida. The invocation was offered by Mayor Watford; followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Clark.
II. ATTENDANCE
City Clerk Lane Gamiotea called the roll.Members present to establish a quorum: Mayor Dowling R.Watford,
Jr., Vice Mayor Monica M. Clark, Council Members Noel A. Chandler, Robert 'Bob" Jarriel, and David R.
McAuley.
III. AGENDA AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mayor Watford announced the following modifications to the agenda: move Consent item "F" to New
Business item"A" and renumber New Business items"A through C"to be"B through D".
B. Council Member Jarriel made a motion, seconded by Council Member McAuley,to adopt the agenda as
amended.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
C. There were no comment cards submitted for public participation on issues not on the agenda.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member McAuley made a motion, seconded by Council Member Jarriel to:
A. Dispense with the reading and approve the Minutes for July 16, 2024, and July 24, 2024, [as presented
in Exhibit 1];
B. Cancel the October 1, 2024, Regular Meeting;
C. Appoint Ms. Dora Roberts as an Alternate Member to the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment, and
the Design Review Board, term beginning August 7, 2024, and ending April 30, 2027, [as presented in
Exhibit 2];
D. Appoint Mr.John Gilliland as a Regular Member to the Okeechobee Utility Authority[Board of Directors],
term beginning August 7, 2024, and ending March 1, 2025, [as presented in Exhibit 3]; and
E. Temporarily close a portion of Southwest 3rd and 4th AVE between North and South Park Streets (ST)
from 5:00 P.M. on September 1, 2024, to 5:00 P.M. on September 2, 2024, for the Labor Day Festival,
submitted by Okeechobee Main Street(OKMS) [as presented in Exhibit 4].
Motion Carried Unanimously.
V. NEW BUSINESS[order of items as amended]
A. Motion by Council Member Jarriel, seconded by Vice Mayor Clark, to approve a Park Use [Application]
for a Farmer's Market as submitted by OKMS from 3:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on the first and third
Wednesdays of each month beginning with October 2,2024, and ending April 16, 2024, [as presented in
Exhibit 5, Note: Park Use Applications are approved by City staff. City Administrator Ritter put this
specific Application before the City Council to ensure their approval. OKMS held these events in 2005
and 2006.]
Motion Carried Unanimously.
B. Staff presented their research and recommendation to not renew the Street Sweeping Contract, due to
the poor quality of service and increased cost, and instead to purchase an Elgin Broom Badger Street
Sweeper for $287,000.00 with American Recovery Act Funds to provide this service through Public
Works staff, Exhibit 6. The Council decided to delay this discussion to the Budget Workshop
section of the agenda[see page 3].
C. Motion by Council Member Jarriel, seconded by Vice Mayor Clark, to approve the Agreement with the
Okeechobee County School Board for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 School Resource Officer (SRO)
Program [as presented in Exhibit 7].
Motion Carried Unanimously.
OFFICIAL MINUTES AUGUST 6,2024,CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING&FIRST BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR FY 2024-25,
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