FROM THE CITY MANAGER & STAFF - January 29, 2021 - City of Clewiston
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
For Your Information
FROM THE CITY MANAGER & STAFF
January 29, 2021
Dates to Remember
February 1, 2021 – City Commission Workshop
February 15, 2021 – City Commission Meeting
February 18, 2021 – Golf Course Advisory Board Meeting
Office of the City Manager:
Citizens, Business Owners & Other Interested Parties:
It is not news that throughout most of calendar year 2020, the City of Clewiston, like all its
municipal peers throughout Florida as well as the balance of the country, faced unprecedented
challenges as a result of the impacts of the novel coronavirus. Although the impacts were
certainly significant, the City continued to provide basic municipal services and is committed to
do so in 2021. This is a primary charge of the city government, and thanks to the dedicated City
of Clewiston staff it is achievable even when faced with the challenges of a global pandemic
health emergency. As I outlined in my “State of the City” report distributed in this space in the
December, 2020 FYI, despite the many adverse implications of the state of emergency that
consumed much of the past year, the City staff under the guidance of the Board of
Commissioners was able to accomplish much progress beyond the important maintaining of
basic municipal services.
Such was the case, when with the assistance and cooperation of the Florida Department of
Transportation’s Planning Studio Office, the City managed to pursue the development of a draft
Highway 27 Corridor Vision Plan. This approximately six month undertaking involved
numerous stakeholders and partner agencies throughout the community. Despite the
implications and limitations resulting from the COVID-19 virus state of emergency, FDOT, their
partners and the City engaged the public to participate in the process that began in July, 2020 and
ended with draft documents that are now ready for review and consideration. The Commission
is scheduled to initiate the process of considering the draft plan in a workshop format beginning
at 5:00 pm on February 1, 2021 in the Commission Chambers when FDOT representatives will
formally review plan highlights. Also invited to participate in the workshop are members of the
City’s Planning & Zoning and CRA Advisory Boards. Due to space limitations and to adhere to
Center for Disease Control guidance on gatherings during the COVID-19 state of emergency,
interested parties may choose to view the presentation and workshop discussion remotely as the
meeting will be livestreamed on the City’s social media platforms in like manner to the process
utilized in regular City Commission meetings..
FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 1
For your information, please review the FDOT provided plan documents that will be the subject
of the workshop by accessing the following links:
Draft Vision Plan: https://smeinc.egnyte.com/dl/wroF5uVpFo
Existing Conditions: https://smeinc.egnyte.com/dl/lk4q9ZQWdd
In closing, whether you choose to participate in this workshop or subsequent meetings when
related actions are considered, the community’s input on the recommendations and vision
planning observations is welcomed. Feel free to share any input in the weeks ahead as the City
considers the recommendations and refines an action plan to realize identified and approved
goals for the Clewiston community.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the City of Clewiston.
Randy Martin
Staff Reports
Public Works Director Sean Scheffler reports:
Parks Department Activities:
o Irrigation systems were checked and repairs were made where necessary.
o Sweetest Town Playground was washed and sanitized.
o The top beam on the swing apparatus in the Sweetest Town Playground was replaced.
o Staff has started a “by phase” clean, repair and paint gazebos in the Sweetest Town
Playground.
o Staff made a sweep through the Sports Complex making sure all facilities were in
good repair for the up-coming season.
o Two more water cooler fountains were replaced in the Sports Complex.
o The basketball court on Olympia Street was striped.
Street Division Activities:
o All Christmas decorations have been taken down, cleaned and stowed away till next
year.
o Four bollards were installed in the north alley to protect water meters.
o Guard rails on the south side of town were string trimmed and sprayed to control
weeds. Red diamond signs were straightened or replaced. Locations where
replacement is required were noted and will be scheduled.
o Trees were trimmed at select locations around town.
o Staff is still averaging 30 pounds of litter daily. The largest amount of litter collected
in one day to date was 193 pounds on January 22, 2021. This was collected along the
27 corridor from the east city limit to the west city limit. It was reported that a
significant amount collected was “face masks and rubber gloves”.
Facility maintenance
o Maintenance was pulled on all the lights in the Operations Building. Blown lamps
were replaced, diffusers were cleaned and ballasts were checked.
FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 2
o A facilities maintenance inspection was done at the Golf Course. Several small
needed repairs were done.
Golf Course Director Robbie Rush reports:
Get all information of what’s going on at Clewiston Golf Course Facebook.
Get on our email list by going to the City of Clewiston website. Go to the golf course
division and at the bottom of the page you can sign-up on Constant Contact and get all
Clewiston Golf Course information.
Golf Shop hours are 7:15am-5:00pm. The first tee time is 7:45am. Tee times are required.
Golf Shop 863-983-1448
Golf carts have to be in at 5:45pm.
Walking is permitted all day at the golf course now.
Clewiston Golf Course has a driving range. The driving range has lights which means
you can hit golf balls after (Night Time) hours. Tokens for the range ball machine can be
purchased in the golf shop or at the Clewiston Police Department after hours.
Golf lessons are available at the club from PGA Professional Robbie Rush. Contact the
golf shop at 863-983-1448.
Monday’s Special after 12:00pm - 18 holes - cart included - $26.00 plus tax. Tee time
required. Golf Shop 863-983-1448.
Clewiston Golf Course offers very competitive pricing on all golf gear the golfer needs.
Code Enforcement Officer Debbie Clay reports:
Clewiston Code of Ordinances in Review
Sec. 70-47. - Prohibited on sidewalks.
The parking of a motor vehicle on any portion of a sidewalk is prohibited.
Sec. 102-118. - Landscape maintenance.
(b) Maintenance of sidewalk areas as public right-of-way
(1) It shall be the responsibility of all property owners to maintain grass and landscaping which exists
in street right-of-way swales and easements adjoining their properties. Grass in such areas shall not
be allowed to exceed eight inches in height.
FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 3
(2) Grass and landscaping which exist near or around sidewalk areas shall be maintained by
adjoining property owners. Sidewalks shall be kept free of grass and weeds and shall be cleaned of
sand, dirt and trash.
If you have any questions you may contact the Community Improvement Division at: 141 Central
Avenue, Clewiston Utilities Building.
The public is encouraged to report code violations by contacting us at the above address, calling 983-
1454 extension 309 or online at: https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/egov/apps/action/center.egov
Police Chief Aaron Angell reports:
December 18, 2020
DUI Traffic Crash
5:54 pm 1000 block of South Francisco St.
A two vehicle crash occurred prompting a response by Clewiston Police Department Officers.
While investigating the vehicle crash officers made several observations leading them to believe
that the driver of one of the vehicles involved was possibly under the influence and impaired.
Subsequent investigation lead to the arrest of this individual who was booked into the Hendry
County Jail on charges of DUI with property damage and bodily injury.
December 19, 2020
Disturbance
6:39 pm 400 block of E. Alverdez Ave.
After observing a vehicle speed through his neighborhood in an unsafe and reckless manner a
man followed the vehicle and confronted the driver about the unsafe operation of the vehicle.
What started as a discussion about his operation of the vehicle quickly escalated into a physical
altercation between the two men. Family was able to separate the two men and stop the fight.
Neither party wished to pursue charges against the other.
Welfare check
9:23 pm 800 block of E. El Paso
A third party reported that her friend was involved in an altercation with her boyfriend and that
he was now holding her against her will. Officers responded to the address where they found the
female, who confirmed a verbal altercation but reported that she was fine.
FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 4December 20, 2020 Vehicle burglary 4:29 am 900 block of E. Del Monte Ave. A man reported that while getting ready for work he heard his vehicle door slam outside of his residence. When he walked outside he found items that had previously been in his vehicle lying outside his vehicle and upon looking he noted that items had been removed from his vehicle. Disturbance 3:51 pm 300 block of E. Alverdez Ave. A fight between men was reported to be taking place in the front yard of residence located in the 300 block of E. Alverdez Ave. When officers arrived two male subjects were observed in the front yard, however, were not actively fighting at the time. As the officer was arriving one of the males ran inside of the residence leaving the other in the front yard. Officers were able to determine that a fight had occurred and that the two men involved were brothers. After speaking with the man in the front yard they spoke to his brother who had decided to take a shower, stating that he had been in the shower the entire time and had no idea why law enforcement had been called. Officers were able to determine that the brother who had fled when police arrived had attacked his brother which resulted in personal injury. He was arrested and booked into the Hendry County Jail on charges of domestic violence. Warrant arrest 3:51 pm 300 block of E. Alverdez Ave. After having responded to the above fight, and while investigating this matter, officers came in to contact with an individual they knew to have an active warrant for his arrest. Officers confirmed the warrant, which was for elderly neglect, and subsequently arrested this man as well. He was transported to the Hendry County Jail also. December 24, 2020 Unverified 911 3:57 pm 900 block of Sawgrass St. During a verbal altercation a woman called 911. When the Communications Operator answered the phone all that was heard was a woman yelling. Even though the caller provided no information the Communications Operator was able to determine who owned the phone and where this person resided. Officers were directed to this location where they discovered a woman and man arguing in the front yard. Officers determined that a verbal altercation had taken place and that during the argument the male took the females phone and threw it. The female did not wish to pursue criminal charges. FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 5
Agency assist 2:12 am 1000 block of Harlem Academy Ave. A large block party was reportedly taking place on Harlem Academy Ave. Clewiston Police Department officers responded to assist at the request of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. Suspicious incident 12:11 am 600 block of W. Pasadena Ave. It was reported by Hendry County Sheriff’s Office dispatch that a gate at Clewiston Middle School was left opened. The gate was found to be secure. It was determined that the open gate was actually at Labelle Middle School. December 25, 2020 Unverified 911 1:09 am 800 block of E. El Paso Ave. A 911 call was received during which communications operators were unable to obtain what the nature of the problem was. Officers responded and located an intoxicated female occupying the driver seat of a vehicle parked at the residence where the call was made from. Officers spoke to the owner of the vehicle who stated that he had not given the female permission to be in his vehicle, and that she had caused damage to the vehicle. After completing their investigation, officers arrested the female and boked her into the Hendry County Jail on charges of DUI, burglary, and criminal mischief. Disturbance 300 block of E. Alverdez Ave. A disturbance between a man and woman was reported to be taking place at a residence in the 300 block of E. Alverdez Ave. When officers arrived they witnessed a man and woman in the front yard arguing just as had been reported. During the encounter with police the man seized the opportunity to educate the officers by informing them that what they were doing was perfectly legal, and they would be upset too if their wife informed them she wanted to see other men. After determining that no crime had taken place officers informed the two to quiet down and left the two to figure out the terms and status of their relationship. December 26, 2020 Vehicle burglary 400 block of W. Alverdez. After receiving report of a burglary in progress officers responded and found the suspect still in the vehicle. The suspect was found to be in possession of multiple stolen items. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Hendry County Jail on burglary and theft charges. FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 6
December 28, 2020 Disturbance 300 block of E. Alverdez Ave. A disturbance was reported to be taking place between two men at a residence that officers visit quite frequently. Before officers arrived one of the men involved in the disturbance had left the residence. 300 block of E. Alverdez Ave. Officers responded back to the same residence for an unwanted guest this time. When they arrived the complainant asked that officers remove the other man involved in the previous disturbance from the property. He left without incident. December 30, 2020 Traffic stop/drug case During a traffic stop officers found one of the occupants to be in possession of both narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia. Officers located two pipes, one containing cocaine, and the other containing methamphetamine. The man who had been in possession of these items was arrested and delivered to the Hendry County Jail on drug related charges. January 1, 2021 Drunk Pedestrian Sugarland Hwy A male subject was vomiting on the side of the roadway. Officers spoke with the man, and during the encounter observed he was extremely intoxicated and as a result of his intoxicated state he was unable to care for himself. The subject was taken into custody. Sugarland Hwy Officers received report of an intoxicated male subject walking in along Sugarland Hwy in the vicinity of Lewis Blvd. Officers made contact with the gentleman just inside the city. He was extremely intoxicated and obviously lacked the ability to provide for himself due to his inebriated state. Officers took the necessary steps to ensure he was safe for the remainder of the night. Sugarland Hwy Officers observed another man staggering along Sugarland Hwy. During a subsequent conversation with him it was determined that his faculties were impaired to the point that he was unable to care for himself. Officers ensured the gentleman was safe for the remainder of the evening. FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 7
January 1, 2021 Suspicious person 1200 San Luiz St. It was reported that an intoxicated male subject was loitering in the area of the Clewiston Golf Course. Officers responded and spoke with the man who advised that a deputy had dropped him off in Clewiston while he was intoxicated, but that he was no longer intoxicated and only hungover now. Intoxicated person 1000 block of W. Sugarland Hwy A man was reported to be urinating and throwing up in front of Walmart. When officers arrived they found the same man who they had encountered at the Clewiston Golf Course that had been dropped off in the City of Clewiston by a deputy. The man was still hungover and suffering from the effects of a night of over indulgence. Intoxicated person 900 block of W. Sugarland Hwy. Officers received a report of a man sleeping next to one of the buildings. When they arrived they located the same individual from the previous two calls passed out next to the business. January 3, 2021 Fight 600 block of E. Ventura Ave. After receiving an unverified 911 call officers responded to the area where they found two male subjects actively fighting in the middle of the street. Officers were able to atop the fight and both subjects were taken into custody. Suspicious person/incident E Ventura Ave. A male subject was reported lying in the middle of the roadway. When officers arrived they discovered a very intoxicated male subject lying in the middle of the road just as had been reported. EMS was summonsed for the man after he began complaining of injury. January 19, 2021 Traffic stop leads to drug arrest Officers stopped a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. As the officer approached the vehicle the two front seat occupants were observed switching seats. During a subsequent investigation the original operator of the vehicle was found to have a suspended driver’s license, which explained the reason for the last minute decision to let the other occupant drive the car. During a search of the vehicle officers also located heroin in the vehicle. The original operator of FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 8
the vehicle was placed under arrest and delivered to the Hendry County Jail on drug and driving
related charges.
Other Happenings
A message from the Assistant Chief:
Our local United Way is hosting its rise to the challenge campaign donation fundraiser and
efforts to meet its fundraising goals for the 2020/2021 year are ongoing. The City of Clewiston
has long been a proud supporter of United Way and its many partner agencies that support our
local Hendry and Glades communities. In recent years Commissioner Gardner’s commitment to
the enhancement of positive relationships between the City of Clewiston and the United Way has
continued to benefit our town by supporting 27 local nonprofits and 64 programs right here in
our local community. Following Commissioner Gardner’s example by serving on the United
Way campaign fundraiser challenge this year has been both personally and professionally
rewarding as supporting mental health services is an endeavor I am committed to. Additionally
it’s been very exciting to see the Clewiston Police Department lead the city in a renewed
commitment to our local united way within the City of Clewiston. We are very appreciative of
our City Manager, Mr. Martin’s pledge to continue to support this endeavor as well. As leaders
among the public safety agencies in our community, the Police Department is proud to raise the
standards of professionalism and leadership by being active and contributing members of the
United Way. Law enforcement sees immediate returns on building positive relationships with
our non-profits who act as direct resources to struggling members of our community and offer
alternatives to citizens other than chronic law enforcement intervention and perpetual cycles of
incarceration or baker acts. Challenging this stagnant momentum locally is an effective way to
support our city and its residents while influencing crime reducing efforts and improving mental
health access to our citizens, something that is urgently needed. I appreciate all that you do for
our city every day and I encourage you all to continue to support the residents we serve as
proudly as you always have by considering pledging support to our local United Way’s Rise to
the Challenge Campaign.
Animal Control
Intake from December 2020 to January 2021
Cats: 16
Dogs: 20
Returned to Owners: 7
Adopted: 1
Transferred to No Kill rescues: 46
Currently CAC is housing 8 dogs and 34 cats/kittens with full capacity levels being 14
for Dogs 20 for Cats
FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 9Utilities Director Danny Williams reports:
A sincere thank you to our customers for your patience while contractor AIT completed repairs
to our sewer system pipe lines. There has already been a measurable decrease in flows to the
Waste Water Treatment Plant, which translates to improved plant efficiency and better overall
treatment outcomes.
Did you know that since 2010 Clewiston Utilities has been replacing low efficiency streetlights
with LED fixtures? More than half of our service area lighting is LED, at a cost savings of 70%
per fixture over the old HPS technology.
Electric Crew Activities:
o Installed underground service on Bayberry Loop,
o repaired street lights,
o straightened pole on Trocadero Street,
o installed new transformer on Saginaw Avenue,
o installed two customer security lights,
o installed more underground lines for boat basin lighting,
o replaced broken pole top pin,
o installed new underground service on E. Aztec Avenue,
o removed vegetation from power lines,
o changed out bad transformer behind USSC headquarters,
o supervised demand meter testing,
o rerouted underground service on Bayberry loop property,
o checked South Lopez Avenue voltage for customer,
o replaced fuse on Palemtto Street,
o repaired broken service wire on Laurel Street,
o repaired broken primary insulator on Feeder Two,
o removed old service and meter from the Old South Barbeque restaurant,
o installed poles for banners on west end of town.
Water Sewer Crew Activities:
o Repaired/replaced bad pumps at three lift stations,
o Changed out eight water meters,
o Cleaned three lift stations (Mississippi, Lopez and Berner Roads)
Customer Service Department
o Your Utility partners with customers to bring renewable power to the electric grid. If
you’d like to learn more about net metering, please visit the FTC consumer
information site at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0532-solar-power-your-
home .
o Please remember to register with CodeRed (Reverse 911). This system allows us to
contact you in case of an emergency or with other informational announcements.
You may register by clicking on the CodeRed link at the bottom of the City‘s website
page www.clewiston-fl.gov . You may update your information at any time through
the same link.
o If you are considering replacing your air conditioner or insulation, remember the City
offers a rebate program for those items. Most local contractors participate in the
FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 10program and can give you information. You can also visit our website at
www.clewiston-fl.gov or call our office.
o IT’S LIGHTNING SEASON! Don’t forget to sign up for your meter based surge
protection! Visit our office today.
o ONLINE BILL PAY IS AVAILABLE on our web site at www.clewiston-fl.gov or
www.municipalonlinepayments.com/clewistonfl.
FYI – January 29, 2021 Page 11You can also read
