Okeechobee Utility Authority

The meeting involved the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on July 8th, 2019, and the public workshop minutes. A significant portion of the discussion concerned a DO Grant application intended to promote economic viability and address water quality concerns, specifically mentioning sub-phase two of a project related to Highway 78 property purchase and future building construction, as well as water quality improvements concerning septic to sewer issues in Buckhead Ridge. Another key item was the FDOT roundabout project at US 441 Southeast at Southeast 18th Terrace, where the Board directed staff to proceed in-house with a phased approach for utility work to relocate existing water mains ahead of DOT construction, estimated to cost around $391,000 if outsourced. Furthermore, the board discussed the Lakeview Estates Wastewater Demonstration Project, agreeing to include corresponding revenue and expense line items in the preliminary FY 2020 budget, contingent on receiving $1 million in state appropriation.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the October 10, 2017, meeting minutes, which were accepted with an amendment regarding member attendance. Key discussions focused on the consent agenda and several significant agenda items. Discussions included the agreement to prepare updated five-year financial forecasts, and extensive deliberation regarding the termination of a contract for utility services, citing unresponsiveness and late reports, with subsequent plans to initiate an RFP process for new services. Furthermore, the board discussed the status and potential disposal (surplus declaration) of multiple land parcels, including Pine Ridge Park and others near the surface water treatment plant, considering factors like existing leases, agricultural use, and development interest. Discussions also involved adopting and adjusting policies and procedures for the sale of surplus property.

The board meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of the consent agenda and the minutes from the December 16, 2025, meeting. A significant portion of the discussion involved two property owner requests regarding connection fees. The first request, concerning Mini City Mobile Home and RV Park for a reduction in connection fees to pre-May 2025 rates, was tabled as the representative was absent. The second involved Mr. David B. Okaane, who requested to pay reduced fees for connecting his septic tank system to the sewer, as he was previously charged fees while using a septic tank. Following discussion regarding staff's inability to unilaterally grant reductions, the board voted to grant Mr. Okaane a special exception, charging him the original discounted rate (75% reduction). The board also discussed a major item concerning the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund application, for which the OUA is the applicant, seeking $5 million for the final segment of piping. Concerns were raised about the OUA's liability in certifying permanent jobs created over a ten-year period. Representatives from Lakefront Estates presented details on the project scope, which involves $8.4 million total cost, with $3.4 million covered by private investment, and discussed their plan to conservatively project 500 jobs to facilitate the certification process. The board also heard updates on construction progress, including the successful securing of off-site water approval.

The meeting addressed organizational matters, including the determination of voting members and the acceptance of a board member's withdrawal from reappointment due to plans to move out of state. Following this, the board appointed a new permanent voting member for Glades County and an alternate, contingent on residency verification. New officers were elected, naming Tommy Clay as Chairperson, Tabitha Trent as first Vice Chair, and Steve Nelson as second Vice Chair. Discussions also included adding an item regarding records for the city, approving the previous month's meeting minutes, recognizing an employee for 15 years of service, accepting the consent agenda, and reviewing the finance report for February 2023, which indicated a strong financial position with significant favorable variances in revenue and interest income. Finally, the board discussed the Orange Loop Wastewater Collection Project closeout, noting that the project was completed but was not on time due to supply chain issues.

The Board of Director's meeting covered several agenda items related to infrastructure projects. Discussions included the acceptance of the agenda and approval of the minutes from the January 10, 2022 meeting. Key actions involved approving the low bid from Core and Maine for materials for the Connor Gable project and subsequent authorization for the Board Chair to execute the notice of award. The Board also approved the bid from PRP Construction Group LLC for another component of the same project. Furthermore, the Board reviewed and approved the execution of the notice to proceed for the Southwest Service Area Master Pump Station project with Felix and Associates, noting considerations regarding generator lead times. Finally, the Board approved the material bid for the Southwest Service Area Master Force Main, accepting the lower bid using 12-inch HDPE pipe over 10-inch PVC due to better availability and cost, and moved to approve the acquisition agreement with 15th Street Homes for the Southwest Service Area Interconnect, contingent upon finalizing documentation regarding the property value for title insurance purposes.