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2024-09-11 Approved Minutes 417 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA " '. SEPTEMBER 11, 2024, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND `, FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2024-25 `' :v OFFICIAL MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Watford called the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Okeechobee to order on September 11, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 55 Southeast 3rd Avenue (AVE), Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida (FL). The invocation was offered by Matt Bowen, Pastor of Christ Fellowship Church. Okeechobee Campus: followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member McAuley. 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. There were no requests for modifications to the agenda. B. Council Member Jarriel made a motion, seconded by Council Member McAuley, to adopt the agenda as published. Motion Carried Unanimously. C. One citizen addressed the Council on an item not on the agenda. Ms. Magi Cable,of the Historical Society expressed the members' gratitude for the donation of paint and supplies, made by the City, to paint the Historical Primitive Baptist Church. Ms. Cheryl Allen, the widow of the late David Allen, Public Works Director, requested a project in honor of Mr.Allen's birthday this month. Ci y employees have volunteered their time and labor to assist with the project. City Administrator Ritter the announced the purchase of a bench by the City to be installed at Centennial Park in Mr. Allen's memo . IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS A. Mayor Watford proclaimed the month of September as Hunger A tion Month; Exhibit 1. The Proclamation was presented to Pastor Bowen and Ms. Victoria Watts of he Treasure Coast Food Bank and was read into the record as follows: "WHEREAS, hunger and po erty remain issues of grave concern in the United States, the State of FL, and on the Treasure oast, with 250,000 children, adults, seniors, and Veterans experiencing food insecurity on a weekly basis; and WHEREAS,the City of Okeechobee is committed to taking steps to raise awareness bout the need to end hunger in every part of our City and to provide additional resources hat our citizens need; and WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee is committed to working with t Treasure Coast Food Bank in mobilizing people about the role and importance of food ba ks, and other hunger relief organizations, in addressing hunger to bring attention to the need o devote more resources to hunger issues; and WHEREAS, food banks and hunger relief orga izations across the Country, including the Treasure Coast Food Bank, coordinated Hunger Ac ion Day® on September 10, 2024, and will continue to host numerous events throughout the onth of September to shed light on this important issue and encourage involvement in effort to end hunger in their local community. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Okeechobee, FL, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 as Hunger Action Month in the City of Okeechobee and call this observance to the attention of our citizens." B. Mayor Watford proclaimed the week of September 17 through 23, 2024, as Constitution Week; Exhibit 2. The Proclamation was presented to members of the Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Ms. Lonnie Kirsch, Honorary Regent Ms. Letta Jordan, Secretary Ms. Lori Howard, Ms. Magi Cable and Mrs. Melissa King; and read into the record as follows: "WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States of America,the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law; WHEREAS, September 17, 2024, marks the two hundred and thirty-seventh anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper toaccord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary,and to thle patriotic celebrations which will commemorate it; and WHEREAS, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. OFFICIAL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2024. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING&FRIST BUDGET HEARING FOR FY 2024-25, PAGE 1 OF 4 418 IV. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED B. Continued. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dowling R. Watford, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor by the City of Okeechobee, FL, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17 through 23, 2024, as Constitution Week in the City of Okeechobee, FL, and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us though this guardian of our liberties." V. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Jarriel made a motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Clark to: A. Dispense with the reading and approve the Minutes for August 20, 2024, [as presented in Exhibit 3]; B. Appoint Mr. Russ Brown to the [Municipal] Police Officers and Firefighters Pension [Trust] Fund Board of Trustees, term beginning September 12, 2024. through September 30, 2025, (replacing Cody Daigneault, City Resident 1 of 2 [typographical error corrected from 2 of 2]); C. Approve the disposal of obsolete computers from the Police Department through GovDeals[as presented in Exhibit 4]; D. Approve the disposal of obsolete tasers from the Police Department [as presented in Exhibit 5]; and E. Approve the disposal of the Conference table chairs from the Administrator's Office [as presented in Exhibit 6]. Motion Carried Unanimously. VI. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE ADOPTION AT 6:15 P.M. A. Motion by Council Member McAuley, seconded by Council Member Chandler, to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1291, correcting a scrivener's error in Ordinance No. 1287, prohibiting smoking in City parks [as presented in Exhibit 7]. Motion Carried Unanimously. City Attorney John Fumero read into the record the title of proposed Ordinance No. 1291 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FL, CORRECTING A SCRIVENER'S ERROR IN THE SECTION OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITHIN ORDINANCE NO. 1287 THAT AMENDED CHAPTER 30-ENVIRONMENT; ADDING A SECTION PROHIBITING SMOKING IN PUBLIC CITY PARKS; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Council Member McAuley made a motion, seconded by Council Member Chandler, to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1291. No comments or questions were offered from the Public. Roll Call Vote: Chandler —Yea, Clark—Yea, Jarriel —Yea, McAuley—Yea, Watford—Yea. Motion Carried Unanimously. B. Motion by Vice Mayor Clark, seconded by Council Member Jarriel, to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1292, amending Code Enforcement definitions and adding Code Enforcement Hearing Guidelines [as presented in Exhibit 8]. Motion Carried Unanimously. City Attorney Fumero read into the record the title of proposed Ordinance No. 1292 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FL, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL MAGISTRATE HEARINGS; REVISING ADMINISTRATIVE FEES AND AMENDING OTHER PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE EFFICIENT ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Motion by Vice Mayor Clark, seconded by Council Member Jarriel, to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 1292. No comments or questions were offered from the Public. Roll Call Vote: Chandler—Yea, Clark —Yea, Jarriel—Yea, McAuley—Yea, Watford—Yea. Motion Carried Unanimously. MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P.M. OFFICIAL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2024, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING&FRIST BUDGET HEARING FOR FY 2024-25, PAGE 2 OF 4 419 VII. MAYOR WATFORD OPENED FY 2024-25 FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P.M. A. Mayor Watford announced the purpose of this Public Hearing is to consider the first reading of ordinances for the proposed Millage Rate levy and proposed Budget for FY October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. B. Mayor Watford announced the proposed Millage Rate levy represents 5.69 percent more than the roll- back rate of 5.8286 computed pursuant to FL Statutes 200.065(1). C. Motion by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member McAuley, to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1293, levying a Millage Rate of 6.1602 on all real and tangible personal property for proposed FY October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025 [as proposed in Exhibit 9]. Motion Carried Unanimously. Attorney Fumero read into the record the title of Ordinance No. 1293 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FL; LEVYING THE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF STATE LAW FOR THE FY BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; PROVIDING THAT 6.1602 PER THOUSAND DOLLAR VALUATION SHALL NOT BE LEVIED ON HOMESTEAD PROPERTY; THAT 6.1602 VALUATION SHALL BE USED FOR GENERAL CITY PURPOSES; THAT SAID MILLAGE RATE IS 5.69 PERCENT MORE THAN THE ROLL-BACK RATE OF 5.8286 COMPUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FL STATUTE 200.065(1); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.- Motion by Council Member McAuley, seconded by Vice Mayor Clark, to approve the first reading, and set September 30, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as possible, as the final Public Hearing date for proposed Ordinance No. 1293. No comments or questions were offered from the Public. Roll Call Vote: Chandler—Yea, Clark—Yea, Jarriel —Yea, McAuley—Yea, Watford —Yea. Motion Carried Unanimously. D. Motion by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Jarriel,to read by title only, proposed Ordinance No. 1294. adopting the annual Budget for FY October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025 [as proposed in Exhibit 10, including a revised page 2 distributed at the meeting, correcting the General Fund sub-total revenues from $112,452,030.00 to $12,452,030.00]. Motion Carried Unanimously. Attorney Fumero read into the record the title of Ordinance No. 1294 as follows: "AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FL; FOR THE FY BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE FOR THE GENERAL OPERATION OF THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY AND OTHER FIXED OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY FOR AND DURING THE FY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Motion by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Jarriel, to approve the first reading, and set September 30, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as possible, as the final Public Hearing date for proposed Ordinance No. 1294. No comments or questions were offered from the Public. Roll Call Vote: Chandler—Yea, Clark—Yea, Jarriel—Yea, McAuley—Yea, Watford—Yea. Motion Carried Unanimously. MAYOR WATFORD CLOSED THE FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:26 P.M. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Motion by Council Member Jarriel, seconded by Vice Mayor Clark, to approve the renewal of Property and Casualty Insurance coverages with Public Risk Management(PRM)with an effective date of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025 [as presented in Exhibit 11]. Representatives from PRM provided an insightful presentation about the mechanics of the company and benefits the City has received over the years including not only the Property and Casualty program but the Group Health Trust program. Motion Carried Unanimously. B. Motion by Vice Mayor Clark, seconded by Council Member Chandler. to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Engineering Services Agreement [RFQ No. ADM 01-32-07-21] with Culpepper and Terpening, Inc.. [with an effective date of October 22, 2024, through October 21, 2025, as presented in Exhibit 12]. Motion Carried Unanimously. OFFICIAL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11. 2024, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING&FRIST BUDGET HEARING FOR FY 2024-25. PAGE 3 OF 4 420 VIII. NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED C. Due to concerns voiced by constituents regarding homeless individuals loitering/sleeping in public areas, but mostly in FLAGLER PARK,Administrator Ritter asked for Council discussion on whether to implement time limits for the Parks to be closed to the public. New State Legislation effective October 1, 2024, will prohibit sleeping in/on any public areas, unless that area is specifically designated and identified for camping. Following the discussion, by majority consensus,Attorney Fumero was instructed to draft an ordinance for further discussion,that Flagler Park be closed from 10:00 P.M.to 6:00 A.M. D. Contracts Manager, Andres Rodriguez, distributed a color-coded spreadsheet providing nine priority roadway segments to be repaved in FY 2024-25. It has been incorporated within the official Minute file, labeled as Exhibit 13. Council had no objections to the list at this time. At a future Council meeting, a full/extensive priority list will be provided with the consideration to enter into a multi-year contract with CW Roberts as a piggyback from the County. No official action was taken. IX. CITY ATTORNEY UPDATE • Looking for Opinions on a Probationary Engineers' right to perform services. • Continuing to work on amendments to the Commerce Center Deed Restrictions and Covenants. • Still waiting for Landmark Precast, LLC to schedule the closing to purchase Commerce Center Lots 17, 17A, and 17B. • The City Administrator's Employment Agreement amendment is in the works. • Working on the Fire Services Agreement as directed by Council. • Working with the City Clerk on developing procedures for the City's social media accounts for employees who make posts on the accounts as well as a separate social media policy for all employees. • Adding a draft ordinance relegating park hours. X. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE • Culvers and the carwash proposed to be built in the Park Street Commerce Center subdivision are continuing to move forward.The developer will be submitting a new Master Site Plan to the Okeechobee Utility Authority and other agencies to resolve issues related to wetland areas, storm water, and connection to the existing water/wastewater lines. • The City Hall Hardening Project is making progress.A full set of plans should be submitted to the Building Official in the coming weeks. • In regard to the Primitive Baptist Church painting project in honor of David Allen's birthday, the City staff thought that was a nice project and appreciated Ms.Allen's extending the opportunity to the City. • Attended an informative meeting between the Suwannee Water District and agriculture representatives with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) representatives, utilizing our Council Chambers. They shared innovative ideas about issues that helped them resolve problems between agriculture landowners and water management in the hopes to implement them here with SFWMD. Xl. COUNCIL COMMENTS • Council Member Jarriel thanked staff for the priority asphalt paving list and for the fire truck in the parade; stated he would like to get Department updates again. • Vice Mayor Clark asked whether the speed limit machines were out as vehicles were speeding again along Southwest 5th AVE. Police Chief Hagan responded they are being moved to areas upon request. XII. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Watford adjourned the meeting at 7:20 P.M. Submitted By: jey (1:/61, (Fht./14j-- Lane Gamiotea, C C, 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. OFFICIAL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11,2024,CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING&FRIST BUDGET HEARING FOR FY 2024-25, PAGE 4 OF 4