Melissa Henry

The meeting addressed several key areas, including legislative priorities for the upcoming State Fiscal Year 2024-25, which involve seeking funding for the Public Safety Building and storm water quality improvements. The council also discussed releasing the city's right of first refusal to purchase certain lots in the Okeechobee Commerce Center and approving a preliminary plat application for a new subdivision. Additionally, the council considered awarding a contract for sidewalk improvements and approving an agreement addendum for medical services. They also discussed and approved an agreement for civil engineering services for a drainage improvement project and decided to close City Hall for a day to accommodate termite fumigation. Furthermore, there were discussions and amendments related to storm shutter regulations and requirements for connecting to public water and sewer systems.

The City of Okeechobee Planning Board convened to address several key items. These included a comprehensive plan amendment to reclassify land use from Industrial to Multi-Family Residential, and another to reclassify from Single Family Residential to Commercial. Additionally, the board addressed a rezoning petition to change zoning from RSF-1 and CPO to CLT. The board also considered a city-initiated rezoning application to change the zoning designation of a vacant parcel from Public Use to Residential Single Family-One, and another to rezone a parcel from Residential Single Family-One to Public Use to allow the Okeechobee Historical Society to use the site as a museum.

The Board of Adjustment meeting included a quasi-judicial public hearing regarding a special exception petition to allow a car wash in a Heavy Commercial Zoning District. The Planning Staff Report recommended approval with conditions. The applicant stated it would be a self-service car wash with no office and no employees. The board approved the special exception petition with specific conditions related to ADA parking, additional parking space designation, and limitations on office space usage. The City Administrator provided updates on recent Text Amendments presented to the City Council.

The meeting involved discussions and recommendations regarding several Land Development Regulation (LDR) Text Amendment Applications. These included amendments to allow food trucks as a Special Exception use in various zoning districts, changes in the State stormwater management regulations, and regulations for the installation and removal of storm shutters. The board also reviewed a Comprehensive Plan Small Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment Application to change the future land use designation of a parcel from Commercial to Multi-Family Residential.

The meeting included discussion and action on several key items. The board considered an update to the Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements within the Comprehensive Plan, receiving input from a City Planning Consultant. Additionally, the board reviewed and discussed proposed amendments to the Land Development Regulations, specifically Article IV concerning Stormwater Management, as submitted in Land Development Regulation Text Amendment Application No. 23-002-TA.