Board of County Commissioners

>> Good morning. The boy. Welcome to the board of County commissioners meeting. And as always, we'll open it up in prayer and we a pastor Justin here this morning. If you'd come up and give vacation and commissioner good bread, would you distance the salute to the flag everyone that can please stand? >> Good morning. Let's pray. Father, we thank you so much for the opportunity to come to you in prayer. Before that, we started business for our county low. We thank you for Okeechobee. God, we thank you for all of our leaders. We pray blessings over this meeting. We ask that you will leading guide me every thought the process of the Holy spirit. We pray that you will help us to go. We do what is best for our county that God leads people to you for Pretty to strengthen all of our county commissioners bless their family, got all the staff that is here today. thank you for you. in Jesus name. >> Amen Amendment. >> Played by Julie lack of which stands. One nation under indivisible, with liberty justice for all. >> Okay. Miss Jessica. I think this our favorite time when we get recognize our employees. Yes, sir, we have employees service awards for July. First 20 20nd 2026. through September. 30th 2026. and commissioners get Burroughs is going go down and help you with that one. Thank you. >> Quite a few today, we have representation in public service commitment with our staff for 5 years, 10 years and 20 years. So it's a very exciting day to recognize our staff for 5 years. We have Alexander Bartow, sick. He is a firefighter and paramedic with public safety. Mr. Alexander Bartow Sick is originally from Palm Beach County and is currently in the process of relocating to Okeechobee before joining Okeechobee County Fire Rescue. He worked in construction and the marine industry. Alex began his career with fire. Rescue has a firefighter paramedic and is hopeful to promote to driver engineer and paramedic soon. What Alex, appreciate most about Okeechobee County fire rescues, a personal connection and sense of value within the organization. He feels that employees are recognized as individuals and that the name on their code means something outside of work. Alex enjoys duck hunting hunting in general fishing and spending time outdoors. Thank you, Alex. For your commitment to public service. Next we have Orlando Castro, building maintenance technician with infrastructure and facilities. Mr. Orlando Castro is originally from Honduras and came to the United States for an opportunity opportunity of a better life before joining Okeechobee County U.S. Self employed providing lawn mowing and landscaping services. Orlando works as a building maintenance technician where he assisted electricians. price is painting skills and continues to develop his knowledge of building maintenance. He appreciates the good work hours and the opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experience outside of work or enjoys operating heavy equipment and driving semi trucks. Thank you, Orlando. James Chambers, driver engineer and paramedic with public safety. See here today. We will pass that along to Michael gratin. A firefighter paramedic with public Mr. Michel Gratton is originally from Jupiter, Florida. He and his family moved to Okeechobee in 2020 to be closer to work before. Joining Okeechobee County Fire Rescue Mike worked as a maid on sport fishing boats and traveled the world pursuing his passion for fishing for the past 5 years. He has proudly served Okeechobee County has firefighter paramedic. He enjoys a variety of responsibilities that come with serving in rural county and looks forward to continuing to grow in his career by soon being promoted to driver engineer and paramedic outside of work. Mike enjoys white-tailed deer hunting and fishing. Here's a fun fact. You may not know he once worked as a Rodeo Bull fighter. Thank you, Michael. Next we have Justin Nelson, Deputy County Administrator. Mr. Nelson is a lifelong Okeechobee local. He spent 15 years in the motorcycle industry before working nearly 20 years in construction management alongside his father. Just enjoying Okeechobee County's capital improvements. Director in advance through leadership roles to his current position as Deputy County administrator, he holds a technical degree from the University Universal Technical Institute along with numerous professional licenses and certifications, including leadership in county government programs to the Florida Association of counties. Justin is passionate about serving his community, mentoring staff and helping others grow professionally. He takes great pride in contributing to Okeechobee counties continued success in giving back to the community that has supported him and his family throughout his life outside of work. He enjoys airboat spending time outdoors. Most importantly, he has a husband to his wife, Leslie and a proud father of 3 children. Thank you, Justin. Tipton Padgett and Park maintenance technician. We will pass it along. Michele Watson grants manager. Miss Watson is originally from Franklinville, New Jersey and Mitt Okeechobee at just 3 years Old. Okeechobee has always been home where she built her life, raised her family and continues to serve her community before joining Okeechobee County, Michelle worked in juvenile justice in hospice care, dedicating her career to helping others. She began her county career with parks and recreation later serving as purchasing agent before the establishment of the grants Department where she now serves as grants manager. She takes pride in helping secure funding that supports county programs, infrastructure and residents outside of work. Michelle is a proud grandmother of 5. She enjoys woodworking hunting mugging and love spending time outdoors, building things and making people smile. Thank you, Michelle. So this is concludes our 5 year award services. So thank you again for your commitment to public service and supporting the county. I couldn't do what I do without you. Also, thank you. For 10 years of service and commitment to county Okeechobee County. We have Lauren Butler extension director. Miss Butler is originally from San Antonio. >> Florida those that or San Antonio, Florida and moved to Okeechobee in 2009 after marrying her husband before joining the county extension office. She worked as a teacher. Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in environmental Agriculture and a master's degree in agricultural education. As Butler takes great pride in fulfilling the land Grant University mission of enhancing the quality of human life while serving the needs of Okeechobee County residents and cattle producers. Thank you Next, we have Colleen Larson, dairy livestock agent Miss Larson is originally from Northern New York, grew up in North Central Florida and has caught Okeechobee home for the past. 25 years before joining Okeechobee County extension calling taught at Okeechobee High School and rock Solid Christian Academy and completed special projects for local dairies. Colleen holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and master's degree and lemonade. Nutrition from the University of Florida. Thank you. Thank you. For 20 years we have sent the appears data entry clerk and case aid. We will pass it along. Thank you all. >> Thank you so much. always. A good opportunity to recognize our. Employees and longevity. And I look in the back corner back there and I see the HR department watching over and they're responsible, making sure we keep those positions feel. Thank you for what you do for us. We come ation commissioner good. you want to go down Senate and we have represented the Mount Olive. Church. Would you come up Placer? >> As Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church was established in November 1922. And is celebrating 104 years of faith, fellowship and service to the community throughout its history. Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church has provided a place of worship, spiritual guidance and encouragement for generations of individuals and families. The church's pastors, leaders and congregation have contributed to the well-being of the community through spiritual guidance, charitable outreach and dedicated services to individuals and families in need. This anniversary offers an opportunity to honor the dedication of those who founded the church. reckon recognize those who have sustained its mission and celebrate its continued service. The board of County commissioners wishes to recognize not all of Missionary Baptist Church for its longstanding presidents and contributions to Okeechobee County. Now, therefore be it proclaimed by the Okeechobee County Board of County of County Commissioners that we hereby recognize and honor Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church on his 100th anniversary. And we extend our congratulations. The church's leadership members and friends as they celebrate this milestone with the best wishes for continued service and fellowship in the years and had issued this 22nd day of October 2026. >> Can I get a motion to accept proclamation second motion by Commissioner Sumner second back, Commissioner Burrows all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed nay motion carries unanimously commissioner good bread. >> We just want to thank you and your church to be here for a long time. minute big part of our community help and everybody in. I'm sure everybody it's been a big help. And thank you very much for all you've done. You Thank you, On behalf dollars, I would like the chairman do the rest of the staff. We have worked 104 years and we're looking forward to doing that. 104 years. We will not be here, but somebody else will be here. And so we look forward continue serve the community and whatever we can do. snow we keep playing for you. >> I'll be hello there. >> So Reverend, did not end at one event use say you're the oldest church bread. Read make We do that. You're oldest church in Okeechobee. so. I think we are told okay. I think and you've only had a baby said the night we were there, that 3 pastors that whole time period so that will give only head how many pastors in that time period to really go for is so forth. Yeah, little remembers a here. Is that remarkable. did that. So Thank Thank. Thank you. What you do for Okeechobee. Okay. We're gonna move on to public comment. Mr. Clarke, I have notices. Do you have one? This time? The public comment? Okay. Heavy hearing none won't know 1, one public comment. Can I get a motion to close public comment? So 2nd motion by Commissioner. Good for second by commissioner. Some are all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed. Nay motion carries unanimously. >> Jessica, any revisions to the agenda? >> No, sir, just a reminder, we do have a time certain at 10:00AM. It's item okay. >> All right. Can I get a motion to accept the agenda as presented? So 2nd. Motion by Commissioner. Good Bres second by Commissioner Burrows all in favor. Say Aye. motion carries unanimously. I don't know. She was saying it to go ahead to be quick with your presentation from know But kind of sounds like that. So we don't let your flight this morning. Okay. How about the consent agenda? >> Yes, sir. We have minutes from October 8, 2026 regular session. 5 P warrants list 2026. Dash 19 in the amount of 5 million 87 thousand, 572 $0.93 5 C's to adopt resolution 2026. Josh. 71 amending fiscal year 26, 27 budget to appropriate 5,000 in donated funds received from the Rotary Club of Okeechobee Incorporated to purchase display frames for Storywalk at the Daryl. >> think and think your fitness trail approved by the board of County commissioners on July 23rd 2026. and approved budget amendment. 27 Dash 0, 2, 5 D is a budget transfer BT 27 Dash 0, 0, 2, in the amount of 19,000, 493 from the Cip Fund Reserves to purchase Sky Jack Scissor lift for the jail phase. 2. 5 E is a request from the tax collector to extend the 2026 tax roll prior to the completion of the Value Adjustment board hearings in order for the collection of taxes to begin on November one 2026. 5 AF is to approve an except the Okeechobee County tax collector's 2026 fiscal year financial report has submitted by the tax collector. questions comments? >> question Mister chairman on Friday. And I can see here, this is what this is about. The scissor lift. many times do we normally Is this something that you could lease or not lease or whatever? >> commissioner, the issue is is is getting the equipment in and out of the facility. It takes a significant amount of time. We have to set up ramps that set of plywood platform. This was always in the project, but because we were so late in the midyear close out the audit, we did not get it done last year. I need it now for the maintenance side of the facility in the new jail. So rather than waiting till December January, we've been waiting a pretty good while to get this done to get is purchased. But we want to go ahead and get it now so that we don't have to keep setting up something every time we got to get a lift in there. So that's going to stay in that facility full-time in Yes, sir. Okay. All right. Yeah. Understand. Anyone >> Lets players in the board motion to approve so motion by Commissioner Burrows second by commissioner, some all in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed. Nay motion carries unanimously. >> Mr. Kennedy. Thank you so much for coming this morning. Good morning. Thank you for having me. >> My name Greg Kennedy, executive director of the Okeechobee Utility Authority. I have a presentation. Is that my my driving okay. want to give an update on the project and infrastructures associate with Okeechobee utility authority. And we appreciate the board's hospitality that was here today. As I said, my name is Greg Kennedy on the executive director. New to the position. while here I want introduce we have a new assistant executive director, Mr. Gay priest, professional engineer. And we also have a long-term board member Steve Nelson. 31 years of service on board here in attendance today. At a glance, we're going to talk about project updates. Some new developments and items of importance. First project update as the Southwest Service area. This is a septic to sewer project. It's broken into 3 project phases. Phase one is a force main to move wastewater to our. Wastewater treatment plant has been completed. project to is the collection system within the southwest area of Eagle Bay and Wolf road old Dixie so that project the collection infrastructure is complete. The vac ensure stations have been built. We have a few items remaining from the prime contractor backing station for we have some leaks in the basement from the groundwater seeping in. There are some thermal striping on the county roadways that needs to be completed. And we're waiting engineering as builts. I think the project more interest right now, maybe the project, cut anti. This is going to be a collection line that will run a quite a few miles from the southwest 16th and 32nd Street are I'm sorry. Just 28th. 3rd 24th Avenue south down 30 seconds and then east 16th down south to state road 78 and then all the way out to content. The park. So the design phase is at 85%. There is going to be a lift station in the middle of the prop project on southwest 16th Street and property owned There were 90%. The design comments are being interviewed on that one. One of the challenges time Wise is the core of engineers for a permit for drilling underneath the Herbert Hoover d***. So that's one that's been a bit of a challenge where at the 4th round comments received and responded to. So the ball is in the Corps of Engineers court at this time. So we're waiting to see what happens with that. portion this is the development agreement with big Cedar Lodge. So the county is been meeting to discuss the needs of the big Cedar Lodge. We have not yet with specific plans on the table to know exactly what we're going to need. But is here to participate and, you know, working side by side with the developer and the county come up with whatever is necessary as far as the lift station on site to service. Whatever big Cedar Lodge plans to build there. So this project something that again, we have portions that are out of our control, such as a Corps of engineers permitting. But we're hopeful that by 2027 will be able to have this saying under way and get get a built in time for the developments needs. Question about So what would what did you and I know you go into another government agency to for permitting, but what do you have any? >> Guesstimate is the timeline where like night to get that permitted. >> I You know, we hope that it would be within this calendar year. But again, we can't control this pace at which the federal and state government does their jobs. So we've submitted it back to the core yesterday this time. Yes, sir. And so. >> Tell me then the court has so many days are so many months to reply. And then when it comes back to along that we take to get back to them. >> depends on the comments and what's necessary to address those. So this is being done through engineering consulting firm >> you know, I hate to give you the answer that I'm not sure. But that is the reality is that we don't know exactly how long it's going to take. >> Okay. >> Do you know how long that is spent back to the core? It is this time at least a month. >> Because we give the same updated September board meeting. >> on this and we headed over 6 months and before reply back to them. I'm sorry. So when it scores send it back before you send it back, then we headed and our position. Your position for over 6 months. >> Well, it's been back and forth 4 times. I know. But the last time it came back, how long did we have it here on this in before we send it back? I don't have that information with me. Okay. Can can >> And appreciate what you do and they can get kind of give a timeline on that because that, yeah, we can. we were asked to get sums. To give get some support to get that Korda pushing through. And when we did that than the Corps said, this and on somebody's desk. So now not spend a few months. so we just get that information and share with the county. Thank you. >> So another portion of project who is the septic to sewer connections. This is the home connections where was successful in obtaining state grants to help pay help the homeowners pay for the abandonment of the septic tanks and the connection of their homes to the new sewer system that was completed as part of project, too. So we had the whole area mapped out. There's broken into 27 groups. We've successfully bit out. 24 those we have a bit opening this afternoon that will love, hopefully close out the process. We have groups ABC, and G have been completed 100%. So we are making some progress that equates to about 60 homes out of 500. That will be done. We have 3 other groups currently underway equate to about 60 homes current construction. the next set of groups who is set to begin here in the next week or 2 with JTA new. We have 2 separate contractors working on the project. So there. Simultaneously working in different areas of the Southwest section. Another septic to sewer project is the Southwest 5th Avenue waste water system improvements. So this will consist of a new vacuum station. This will be the 6th vacuuming station for the Okeechobee utility authority due to funding restrictions. The project had to be divided into 2 phases. The first phase will include the vacuum pump Station, which is located on South West 23rd and second, it's which is the site of the old City Water tower across from Walmart. So with that project, the basement has been dug. concrete is poured this week before floor slab. So things are moving right along. The wet weather has been a challenge. We also ran into the filings from the old water Tower. Once we got digging there so that few days into the project to get those removed. But again, the estimated completion for this project, we February of 27 it will also include the area highlighted in yellow as far as home connections so long that Southwest Second Avenue corridor will be connecting homes the next phase. The design is complete on phase 2. That's the area outlined there, I guess. And magenta, which would be the majority of the home connections. So the design work is complete were seeking funding on this. It is a set as one us legislative appropriation priorities to get the funding. We also simultaneously are working on the state revolving fund to borrow the money if the legislature doesn't see fit help us with this project. Another very large septic to sewer project is the Treasure again, this project's broken into phases. There are 3 phases. The phase one design plans are 90% for the East Side Force main, which will take wastewater flows from the northern edge of Treasure Island up the Everglades Boulevard Road right away, Crossing State Road 7.10, crossing the Berman ranch's property. A couple other private properties that been obtained crossing Highway 70, then running west over to the Pine Ridge vacuum Lift Station. And we're going plant site. Are new pump station there and then it will run up the You Northeast 32nd Avenue roadway right away and cross over the L 63 canal and go throughout easement across the hammer, a property up into our bar states then follow the road right of ways to all our states to our wastewater treatment plant. So the first step is to get the line and we can't collect any wastewater for don't have means to move it to the plant. The next phase phase 2 is at about 60% of the design and that's area highlighted in And that will be home connections to the collection system. And then the final phase will be faced 3, which reaches all the way down to us for 41 Southeast. And that's area highlighted in the gold color. So in total, we're going to have their 2000 homes to connect from, you know, removed septic systems and connect to the sewer, which environmentally should be great benefit as far as the nutrients coming off of the septic tanks will cease at that point. There will be some legacy that will take some time to equal equal eyes. But we've done studies on water quality in the past where we look at the Taylor Creek aisles versus Treasure Island sides. The Treasure Island still on septic. A lot of homes right on waterfront. Very small. Lots. So the leeching is present there. And that's been proven by sampling of nutrients and artificial sweeteners in the water. So we can see that it is human waste, not animal waste or some other source. A new trip. And at same time, we did the same study on the west side of the creek where they've been on vacuum collection sewer for over 20 years. And there's significant improvement in the water quality, both in terms of nutrient and bacteria. So this is an important project environmentally. It will take quite some time its extensive project and we do have a over 20 million dollars in grant funding already obtained for this. But the project cost, as you can imagine, are, you know, continuing to grow daily. So we're working to get moving right didn't get an estimated timeline on this. >> On faces on the phase, one is only one I could really estimated this time. And, you know, it's probably going to be 2 years. This thing fully constructed. still have one small piece of easement we need to obtain. We're in negotiations with the landowner. We've obtained substantial length of easement from and they are receptive. We're just working on the details and waiting for attorney to drop the the legal documents we've already had. The survey work done. Have the sketches and legal descriptions complete, but there's just been back and forth with the landowner and their attorneys. >> So there's a lot on the slides. All try to unpack this a little of the time on the left is the water systems. We have a surface water treatment plant with a 5 million gallon day capacity. That is our primary source of drinking water. We also have a 1 million gallon per day permitted ground water plant. The groundwater plan has been inactive for many years. We've this past year. Put it back on line, had to, you know, upgrade lot of equipment plays politics, electric motors controls and other wiring and components to get it going. The issue is the water quality. And from those wells is very, very hard water. looked at some pilot studies and completed those to try to find remedy for the hardness. But the reality is the volume of water available. There is limited and are going to have to find another means continue our growth and water supply. So we just recently put out proposal, request for proposals qualifications for a water master plan. This will take a look at the 5 year 10 year, 20 year window of water needs for the community and help us locate a new source because the South Florida Water management district's consumptive use permit allowing us the 5 million gallons a day from the lake. He's kept and under their rules, they will not allow any additional water flows from the lake. Without a legislative of. change. So we're working to figure out what our best options are. And, you know, that's a process we're going to have to begin with. So our average daily flow right now is 2.8, 7, 8 million gallons. That's based on September. 30th, a data we have a reserve capacity where developers have entered into agreements. A lot of these are very old, 20 years old and they do have 0, 1, 9, 3 million gallons reserved of our total capacity. So the spare capacity is 1.9, 3 million gallons per day from this plant. So we're at about 61.4% when we reached a 75% consumption of our capacity, the Department environmental protection requires that we start. The master planning program are planning find our next source for expansion. We've no that's coming. So we've gone ahead and started on that and plan move forward with it immediately. locator next source of water and determine what treatment systems will be necessary for that. Okay. So developer reservations. We've reserve flow. We have a few different properties that bought equivalent residential connection credits with us. And that is the awesome ranch, which there is no infrastructure there. This is property that surrounds Ancient Oaks RV park. But they do have a 87,500 gallons of our drinking water capacity reserved prepaid lakefront estate says a new community in Glades County. They have a reservations for 105,600 gallons. These again are daily flows at this time. So we have 193. 1100 gallons of water Reserve. That is not yet being consumes. Moving over to the next column. Developers and the Okeechobee County. These are future flows. These are all speculative where we've had developer is come in and talk to us about what they plan to build. So one of the largest is Div Div ID Springs at the design that was discussed when they came to meet with us. Their daily flows will be 1.3 million gallons per day. So as you can see, looking at our spare capacity, 1.9, this would be a substantial take. Now, most of these developments don't come in quickly. Their phased some cases, but we are seeing larger developers coming in with the capability of putting these developments together and then, you know, occupant and then very quickly. So again, we're trying to stay ahead of that by starting their water master planning effort. Hamrick residential, which is on off would-be road on the east side of town. They're looking at 51,500 gallons, the wool farms parcel 49,500 gallons. The redevelopment of the Blue Heron golf course for residential use. 89,250 gallons. Heartland Crossing is a development that out many miles from our existing infrastructure, large-scale property and they're potentially looking at 768,000 gallons of daily flow. And these numbers are just for the residential. Some of these developments are proposing development and them grocery stores, other retail stores. So depending on what those are, you know, these numbers are based just on the Emerald Green apartment, which in the city here just north of the Catholic Church understand water management district permits already been issued on this and will have future flows of 47,750 1000 gallons. So total 2.3 million gallons just on these proposed developments. And again, that won't happen overnight. It will be a staged approach, but we recognize understand that we're going to have to increase our sources capacities to keep up. So we also have some developers that have in in the works. states which already has 105,000 per day reserved build out, is expected to consume another 349,400 gallons. They have not yet bought the credits for But the connection fees. So but we do expect that will come with the growth and then the Einhorn story, which is again, another Glades County proposed development. We'll be looking at 415,000 gallons water. Water needs are growing very rapidly. And again, when developed hers of this nature, they're not all sure things. A lot of it is designed, you know, based on what thoughts are today. So there's opportunity for change both up or down in size. There's a lot of other properties that have been discussed for development that have not yet come in to talk to us about, you know, the capacities that they would need. Moving over to the right side of the sheet. The wastewater systems, we have a permanent capacity of 3.9 million gallons per day at our wastewater treatment plant. The latest average daily flow. This is based on a three-month average was a 7, 786,000. So we've got pretty good capacity available there. But as the Southwest Service area comes online, like I explained, we have about 60 or 70 homes connected. Now 500 and the Southwest, the South West 5th Avenue project that's under construction will be another 150 homes roughly. And then Treasure Island Project 2000. So as we go again, this capacity is going to be pretty quickly consume disease projects come online, but and then there is also the infill, which I'm sure all of you are seeing that here within the city area and the urban developed area. This is a large amount of infill with lot of that being multifamily 6 or 8.10, homes or townhomes per parcel. So again, you know, those those capacities, working them into our numbers each month as they come online. So the demand is definitely the changing. So reserved the flows again. We have the developers who have come in and credits for the wastewater service that that takes 358,800 gallons of capacity that's been committed. and these are from projects. I'm sorry. This first 3, 358,000. That is the. Projects that we talked about in the Southwest and Treasure Island, the reserve flow by developers is 416,000 gallons per day or 0.4, 1, mgd. remaining capacity after those are 2.0, 3, 3, 9 million gallons per day. So we're a little safer shape on wastewater right now. But again, we're going to have to. Be thinking forward in the near future of what's the next step to expand be able to handle additional flows as as the developments come. reserve flows for wastewater are a little bit more than Drinking water side. So that breaks down into the different projects of Northshore Villages. 75,250 gallons per day. Okeechobee Premier 50,000 daily. Awesome Ranch. 87,500, Steven Myers property 101,000. The Montebello Parcel 52,500 and Lamb Ventures of America. 50,000. So that is the reserve 4.416 thousand to 50. Then the again, and House projects are mainly the Treasure Island. The 233,000 daily and the Southwest Service area 125,000 Daily. you have any questions on those capacities. >> It's Greg. You mentioned that year. Your capacity and what you can bring out of the lake. What can we do is lot of water in the lake and most of the times of the just recently, very the turning it up to Tiger, pumping it underground, figure out something to do with it. Why can't we join together in and get an increase? Yeah, you it appears to me is cheaper treat that water knees. The groundwater. And so Why would we not pursue that is a joint effort of us trying to do it, you know, even get the legislature to to support that and get water management to come on board. >> We have pursued that capacity increase. We most recently obtained basically had reallocated from Glades County or Palm Beach County communities that were former lake water consumers for utility and they have gone to well system. So they stop using that capacity. So we were able to get that transferred. But under Los and I forgive me, I don't remember the acronym, the full Forward Water Management Project. Basically the understanding I have of it is that. When the lake gets an extreme drought situations, the water management district has the ability its top agricultural use. They can just basically tell the agriculture producers you can have no more water. They can never really do that for the utility. We've got to have water for human health and consumption. So that is I think the basis of their. Mindset of not wanting to grant any more water flows from the lake is that in extreme drought situation, they would not be able to provide they potentially could not be able to provide. But again, the 5 million gallons per day Island on the calculations. But I think we'd be talking about, you know, a tiny amount of depth on the lake. What's taking out? The evaporation is, you know, far exceeds that. But that's that's the challenge. Okay. But >> you know, drought came a few years back, then stole the pumps pope over the night just Palm Beach County, water. They put them in place issue men may never have used to, but they're in place because it gave a set reported the 16 County Coalition. So if we could pump over the over the Deichmann delay gets extremely low to go to Palm Beach County. We need to. Joined together to see looked to be county but have a problem. But that also with you a bit please let us get and help you with that. I mean, thank you. Sometimes that, you know, we have access to 16 county coalition. We have, you know, we have a love that we have law based in Tallahassee. You know, we have people monitoring the board so it sounds like the grant. What are you looking forward? Not come from it. You own looking for every way you can, but just the most expensive. So we have. The most reasonable out there. Now, what what the district told me as they gave you a permit for the maximum daily use that the pumps can pump currently. Should we can put in additional pumps or whatever it is. That that that would not very difficult to increase the flows. Would would you mind going back to to your board and ask they would like our support and we we pursue that. >> Yes, be glad to do so. And we appreciate the support. Thank you. >> What about deep well, injection recovery that what you're talking about. >> Well, problem of that is is they can't get the water clean enough to do the deep well injection. So that has been. Utilized at the current time. But, you know, bringing out clean it cleaner than what they're able to clean it and provided for drinking water. So yeah, instead are doing a deep well injection that public never bring it back. We could do the same thing here. You're absolutely right. >> Yes, the floridan aquifer would be one of the options. It's going to be evaluated as part of the water master plan. We're fortunate that in the shallow preferred that the water is fairly fresh here and the Okeechobee County area so that its potential that we could get that water and not have a higher level treatments such as reverse osmosis Fernando filtration so that is one of the options. It's going to be evaluated under the water master plan, but Lake water again, it becomes a political. Issue. So the county's assistance would be welcome them. You know, we definitely will ask for that help. And and thank you for Fed to do it. So significant issues affecting the service We've had lot of rain events here in the last few weeks with a very high volumes of short periods of time. It's been a and as in every word sewer collection system, there is infiltration and intrusion of storm water that gets into the system. So we have put out for to do if I and I would call and infiltration and intrusion flow. study on 48,000 feet of our piping to try to find any potential league so we can get remedies to do that, which potentially has the ability to reduce the volume. So wastewater plant is treating that would give us a little more capacity for developers and give us little better control. Construction. We've talked about the projects that are on going through that phase. And scheduling. That's our. And. next slide talk about as the legislative priorities. The board recently. They'll board recently established the top 3 priorities for legislative assistance. So the first one is the cemetery road wastewater treatment plant to advance waste treatment. So there is a rule in place that is going to require the utility to meet a much higher standard of nutrient removal for the reuse water that's used for irrigation irrigate. Hey land on, though, UH property. And on the neighboring ranch. >> takes the majority of flow. And this is a very expensive process. You know, the total project estimated to come in about 21 and a half million dollars. This is on for unfunded mandate. Legislative mandate. So were told we have to do it. But we haven't been told how we're going to pay for it. So we want try to receive this first 3 and a half million to begin the planning phases and engineering design and then future request try to get assistance for the actual infrastructure needed to meet these new requirements. Advanced metering infrastructure. This is on water meter side of the business. And what this does is allows immediate communication from the water meters to the utility and the residents. They would be able to have an app on the telephone to see what water used to have this month. We had a situation where a developer put a meter and then the Basswood neighborhood. Somebody turn the meter on without their knowing before it was stopped $20,000 worth of water went through the meter. So this is a system where you'd be able to set up a indicator that if you exceeded a certain amount, the utility would set up a fund over average amount was flowing. We would notify the homeowner meter owner and also the homeowner. If they're on vacation maybe a seasonal resident, they can set that number to very low amount. So water was flowing without them being home, they would get alerted. And though so this is something that's become very common water. Utilities and the water meters upgrade will help our accuracy so that our building is, you know, staying as accurate as possible for both the benefit of the utility and the customers. The 3rd priority was the is phase 2 of the Southwest Service area. We're requesting to a quarter million dollars. We're offering in a half million dollars local match. And again, this is to remove the 150 septic tank system. Some those. Flows into our collection system and out to our wastewater treatment plant to remove. And this is an area that as lower lying lot of the area. So there are a large number of homeowners who are having challenges with maintaining their septic systems and and these what conditions, especially are having to pump very frequently. And now that the reins of kind of saturated the ground, the facilities in Okeechobee County that except the pop out from the septic are maxed out and they're having to wait for things to dry out before they receive any more flows. So that concludes the presentation we prepared. Are there any questions or discussion? Commissioner? >> Mr. great presentation. I read it after second to talk to me about it the other day. So I appreciate what you've done here. Thank to questions. Do you have a project number associated with for permit trying to get the under the guy. That is the Southwest Service area. >> Project phase 3. Okay. Because I was I was a saint in this up to one of congressman to see if we can. Help push us along. They're going to ask me about it for us project number on it associated with it so they can go to court and yet come, the second question is on this one here the cemetery Road W W T a he it was an unfunded mandate was up from last year. seems that it shows 2024 here, Yellows 2024, 2024, it was enacted, but 2034 is the bza which we have to meet the. >> Lower levels targets one miligram per later of phosphorus and our discharges and 3 milligrams for later of nitrogen. currently about 3 times that. But the challenge for us that's lumped in with all other EU. So the same I go to a park or a ball field were ours is restricted access, agricultural use. So that's posted. And then again, the water we're putting out to the agriculture use. There's a need for the nutrient. Doesn't make a lot of sense to us, too. Spann, 21 million dollars to remove nutrient. For the producer to have to go buy fertilizer and replace the nutrient the property. But we've lobby that and, you know, to the state government, then without success and we're unique that there's not a lot of utilities that have the agricultural reuse only. >> Footage footage, Allawi, budgets chance. You remember. >> Knows Mr. Halford was it was basically to the Department Byron Mental protection when the rulemaking was in going in place. >> The reason I ask that question to I think based on your definition just I think that big. So the question too, go back to now. And have another conversation and give the explanation of the differentiation of out what this is spending. 21 million dollars. Crazy to me. Yeah. As an unfunded mandate, more or less. >> And that was. Provided during the comment periods for the rulemaking. But it was not. It just, you know, they say did just kept on their path. And OK, thank you very much. Thank you. >> Greg, you mention Deceptive poppers, rent rent of a place to discharge. Is there any benefit to have been a a a facility to receive those? The material from Nate Septic pump rush. You know, additional. >> Disposal locations would be very good. The problem we would be challenged with is the volume which we treat daily. If we begin bringing in the septic, it's a different consistency of material from what is coming down the drain lines in the sewer system because it's for lack of better words, fresh and new where in the septic tanks, there's materials that have been stacking up thickening for a long time. So has the ability to clog up the works at our system and overwhelm the bacteria logical needs. So we've never accepted septic pump out at and again because the volume of water is would be potentially too big, a volume of this. Aged very thick product as opposed to what you know, majority, what we're receiving is wash water saying showers. >> Like that. But the solids that come out of the septic tanks don't blend well with the treatment system we have in place. >> It scares okay. I want to thank you for coming in and congratulations on your new position. You're chairman's already reached out to me and said we want to start a new dialogue and working together and hopefully with this change that's going to be. >> Gonna happen but if you would, please give us a timeline on the permit for the going under the levee, we've had. A lot of different. helps about are tales about that. And we're not sure just what's happened. But if you could give us a timeline on when you got it, when you send it back and all that and where we stand and we will together timeline and send it and should we get Jessica? Then she can share great if you do that, OK, you know, very good. >> And again, you know, sir, so you at county know that told you when you took over a big lead to meet with any time, anything we can do to work together because it's so Biden what you do for this community. And we appreciate it. >> Well, thank you very much. Appreciate the offer of assistance. And we will take you up on that. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> We've got a 7 minute You want to move on down to the. Citizen request. Matthew, you want to up a handle that place. 10 o'clock. We have a time certain. So we're going to work around this. >> Good morning, commissioners. Good morning. Administrator. I have Mister Luke here with us. He is the president Okeechobee SE. He is requesting a fee waiver for sports fields within the county. Total estimated amount is $22,560. Okeechobee SE is a local nonprofit soccer organization and have Luke here. If you have any questions for okay. Good morning morning, Aria You don't tell us about your activities. Yeah, of so as Matt said, we are a nonprofit organization bringing competitive soccer to the youth and Okeechobee >> I have been in Okeechobee for a little over 3 years now noticed the amount of players that we have in the parks and rec. when I realized there wasn't an option for them to be able to play competitively without having to drive all the way over to the coast. I started the process of getting that going and now we are starting our first season and we officially have 4 teams which was double. What my initial goal was for our first season. So the interest is there and more and more people are asking about, you know, teams in the future as well. So it's an exciting time for the soccer community in Okeechobee in. We're just looking for any help that we can get to continue to grow that. >> And you won't tell us what this age group. And yeah, just million of us are. it's you 18 through U 19. So for this first season, we have a team. We you 10 team. We have a huge 12 tonight is under. Under under for under 810 under 12 and oh, guess will qualify. we can try to do a 30 and up to baby coming >> Get the wheelchair. Lee. Great. Yes, sir. we can do that, wheelchair and Walker. And what is it you play? Doctor? Yeah. Okay. seems to be they banned. I'm learning about that me this largest port in the country. It is absolutely an even it's hard to believe that this hasn't happened in Okeechobee before care what anybody says for football Tower, baseball. This is a soccer town. The amount of kids that play soccer in this community is just remarkable for the size of the communities. So Abel, it blew my mind that there wasn't already a club soccer program. Toby, so did what I had to do bring it here. Questions come it. Motion to approve a second. >> We have a motion by Commissioner. Good rest second by Commissioner Summer and Matthew, I know you too. Well, I know you've got do lined up with and amongst all the programs and everything covered. >> Yes, sir. We're gonna make it work. Limited on space. But Lucas willing to work with us along with the other programs that are using our facilities. >> All in favor say Aye. All opposed nay motion occasions. Thank you, Sir. Welcome Shelby, thank you much. Okay. We're real close to Miss Katie. I know can take you a little more than 4 minutes and will well get ready for. but we're going to do. Were you a contingent? one in the back the Sure. His younger one. It's the middle of it. Not the youngest is the middle. We lost Terri. Good morning. Good morning. Okay. At this time as Jimmy, you have a niche item. >> Yes, thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, this is the time certain 10:00AM request for lean reduction release of Lien from John Canal Slash new owner days. You LLC. This is case number C e 2, 0, 1, one Dash 0, 1, 1, 8, Just so you know, this is a case that came before the special magistrate. And when we present these cases for request for reduction to the magistrate, we advise both the the person who's there requesting the reduction and the magistrate that the legal standard for request for reduction is set forth in Section 2, dash, 1, 9, 7, c of our Okeechobee County code of ordinances. It does identify 4 factors to consider, including the gravity of the violation. Any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation any previous violations committed by the violator and the total amount of administrative and out of pocket costs incurred by the county for investigating prosecuting in debating the violation in this case, the respondent did seek a reduction. However, the special magistrate cannot. cannot recommend a reduction for less than the total amount administrative and out-of-pocket costs that were incurred by the county as it related to this code enforcement matter. And in the instant case, those hard costs which are the administrative and out of pocket costs incurred by the county total $5,379.96, which is the amount that the special magistrate reduced the original $133,600 too. the standard production was made by the special magistrate who those hard costs the owner, previous owner and current owner have requested to come before the board today. You certainly are. Welcome to consider further reduction and it is it does. The ultimate authority does rest with you and solely with you. So it is up to you how you want to proceed. And certainly we would be happy to listen to the owner or previous owner if they would like to speak. So we have both owner and the previous owner. >> Online we have. I'm the same person. Do use. Don't know. You Good morning. Is it OK for me to speak now? Yes, Yes. Okay. My name's >> back in 2022, when the code enforcement folks came out. said, hey, you can have a container on the property. And there was a debris. Also. So we hired a company to come out and removed the containment. And the first company that came out, the truck got stuck, whatever data says up they refuse job. We then contacted the M J. Here and here in Okeechobee, the actually came out on the 7th >> and they moved the container for us. We got everything done. we got the receipt presented to the code enforcement folks. So they've never came back out after >> after the 7th checked the property, what have you? And then the liens or the per day cost him everything was going on. So after I got everything taken care of, I was I mean impression. They have to come back out and in. investigates so they would seek the containers, not this is a 50 foot 53 foot container. Like it's not, you know, something small. So they be able look and see say maybe saw that it was there. They would look and see that it's not there. Fast forward. It's about maybe a month ago or 2 months I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago with colon cancer stage 4. So right now we're trying sell the property so that I could pay for them. For treatment. And so it wasn't until the title people came and said, hey, you could do because theirs charging $100 a day. And I'm like for what? And then they said that I'm like, look, we got a receipt that the people came and they say that we have to contacted eyes in order take care. So I contact the code enforcement guy that was out That's responsible for that area. And he went out and checked, seen that the container was there East Canyon. Instructions on what to do. And here we are right now. I'm asking for. This board reduce the cost down because we got rid of the situation. We got the situation taken care of prior to any winds being calculated. And that's pretty much what that's pretty much it that out. What happened. >> OK, so you so you notified them as soon as you remove the container said they could come out and inspect the property and stop the fine. Here's what happened. >> When I got the the notice on the property, it had a phone number on there. Called the phone number thinking it was you guys, code enforcement. It was a new guys. Code enforcement. The guy came out in a white truck. he said all you have to move the container and you have to move the debris. So I said, OK, no problem. So when I was done with that, I contacted that person. Not knowing that he had absolutely nothing to do with the county. It wasn't until I contacted Mister. Griffin, which you guys company, I mean, with with the county. And he said that he's the only one that's been out there. And Mister Griffin is African-American and the young the guy that came out was a Caucasian male. So I know for a fact it wasn't Mister Griffin and he said he's the only one there for however, many 1000, you know, however, long so. I took care of what needs to be done. Thinking you guys are coming back out. think and I did everything that was supposed to be done now on finding out that, hey, look, it wasn't. The county you talk to. It was somebody else. My neighbors are telling me it was the people from coca keep folks tienen something like that. The management place, they're the ones I don't know. I don't remember, you know, his his information to contact them. So that is the answer to your question, sir. >> Now, sir, question is when you. Cured the problem, did you call code enforcement possess a citation? You got? To remove to clean up the property. Did you notify them that it was claimed? >> As far as I I knew that, yes, I contact them, but I'm finding out years later that it was not them. I contacted the phone number that was on the paper. They came out. They looked at it. He told me what was wrong with that. After the first time the first company refused to come. I mean, they came out. I contacted them say, hey, look, I need a few days. The guy said no problem. So on the 7th is when BMJ came out to care. That issue, I call this a look at everything's done. I haven't spoken anybody in Okeechobee in reference to this until last month. >> But it seems like that. Once you ever think need to be cleaned up in in need had to help define and stopped. Then us for a opportunity to present your case to the special magistrate for Fun Reduction, which is our normal process. And and the special magistrate granted, you the hard calls just just like we do have one else is that? Is that your understanding? Also? >> That's what I was told needed to be I mean, the process, how it how it happens. >> Like I said, if I knew that the company that I was the phone number that I was calling had nothing to do with the county. I would be calling Mr. be I mean. That's you know, that that would be the proper next steps. So I did what I was supposed to by contacting why thought was? They represent himself as the county? >> But evidently be the time the time the 5 most running of the time. Basic of the time the fine is running is not the issue here because we do it. We're doing how card coast, humid had to hard coast had to notify Mr. Griffin or whoever else. It's my understanding. So that is, know, the fees, what it? >> sorry, women. to me, it board. If the board wants to support special magistrate, we've given them reduction to hard coast or do you want to a special exception? In my opinion, that would be the question for the board. >> I'm able to speak, sir. Yes, you're going. December 7th when everything was taken care of. There wouldn't be any fines because the fines didn't start till I want to stay December 22nd or something like that. So everything was complied done with prior to any thieves or anything. Start. I'm sorry. That's it. >> The violation went out in 2021. >> violation one out in 2022, from my understanding. >> In February, the 4th 2021 in OT didn't notice of violation. 22, you received a notice of hearing. I'm sorry. When notice of violation of his name is that you have notice of violation that you were not in compliance and then mid 2022, you had a hearing. And the special magistrate said $100. day. If you're not. Cleaned up at that time in. 22 still not cleaned up. They had a phone call with you said that you believed you were in compliance. K ballet shuns 2022 violations remain on the property. Newly placed no presence, no trespassing. Signs posted on the property. So then we went to a debt tax. The sale of quick claim. And then 2026. The property was in compliance. In 2026, you reduce you requested fine reduction and 2026. And then this. When you went to special magistrate and they reduced it 53 79, 96. Are you aware of what a what a >> Trying to, know, no, sir. Does Lynn date when the that person actually came out and said, hey, the violation. When I contacted them. I want to say maybe total of 3 weeks if that is when we contacted ended up contacting as we met with them, he came out. I automatically started calling around. To give that container taken out. So the container was moved by that company. BMJ. In the comp. The place was called them compliant. We were in complaint and then the fees than a start until like I want to say 3 weeks after. And you said that there was a phone call, the only phone call that was made. >> What was with whatever the person that was from Kenya. What have you? >> should be. And it was a total of 4 phone calls with him go. I'm Camp again, received a phone call from you. >> 12 13. 22 instead due to believe or you were in compliance. Not only are there was a phone call on who initiated the call. You And so then then 2 days later, they went back out and determine their property was still not in compliance. >> that we have the date of when the container was moved. The container was moved out. I want to say the summers at December 7th. And they they came out at around they came to pick that up and they delivered it to the the other location to where, you know, the person. That we gave the container to. And then 20 minutes later. Well, everything the debris and stuff like that was already loaded on the back of the truck. So it was compliant at that particular time. >> I don't I don't know what the well I say. don't know phone call their thing. Yeah. The phone call that they're saying that was made and it said was in compliance. >> It was I never called the county itself because I called the phone number of the person that, you know, that was on the violation >> Well, that let me sum this up. I don't want to get him to take a that conversation about the fines because our people have have photos of everything that we We did. I'm confident that we have all that all that was presented to the special magistrate. They made the decision. What we have here today is is it commission want to to reduce further reduce the lower than what the special magistrate. Recommended. That should be a yes or no. And that recommend >> Based on our hearts cost. At the several times that this same kind of event has come before us. >> My opinion stands the same today as it has. Then we can't give away. >> Our hard cost because that is taxpayer dollars. So if it's already been reduced by $128,000 by the magistrate that 5 that we have an actual expense. That's not our expenses. Are taxpayers expense? for one? Cannot >> Make the motion up to give it up. Based on the fact and I agree with what Commissioner Saunders of this commissioner Burrows commute. I agree because based on the fact of what we're seeing here, is that a hard cost? Who was was assumed from the February 4th all the way down through a number of days in December. So we're talking about a large number of days. So the hard costs are associated with this was to 5,000, $379.96. And I believe that that's that's commissioner. Some there clearly articulated that is taxpayers money. So I'll make a motion not to reduce up. have a motion by Commissioner Commissioner Bo second by Commissioner. Good bread. All in favor say Aye. Aye. All opposed. Nay motion carries unanimously. I'm sympathetic with your situation. tell you this. If you are a resident Okeechobee would have a problem because we would be doing a benefit to help you raise money. >> Now do need to pay this but to pay your hospital bills, you know, at one of the things I love about being ship week, take care of our own. I would hope somebody in your community would do the same thing. Thank you so much. very difficult. >> Thank. Thank you guys for your We'll take a break. Kaylee, still sitting in there. You want to let her do her thing. Okay. Miss Kaylee. >> But to put this month we have been this tight. Hey, good morning. Kaylee could not be here unfortunately today. So this is stroke aga