FROM THE CITY MANAGER & STAFF - June 3, 2022 - City of Clewiston
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FROM THE CITY MANAGER & STAFF
June 3, 2022
Dates to Remember
June 16, 2022 – Golf Course Advisory Board Meeting
June 23, 2022 – City Commission Meeting and Workshop
July 4, 2022 – Independence Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
Office of the City Manager
Citizens, Business Owners & Other Interested Parties:
The Governor has just released his veto list for items included in the state budget proposal
adopted by the legislature earlier this year. I am very pleased to report that City of Clewiston
funding requests survived the veto process which means the projects remain funded in the new
state fiscal year budget which begins July 1, 2022! This is awesome news and we once again are
very grateful to Senator Kathleen Passidomo and Representative Lauren Melo for their valiant
efforts to get two valuable City requests included. The new state budget includes access
improvements to Lake Okeechobee in the vicinity of North Francisco Street and for water system
infrastructure upgrades to serve the US 27 corridor west of the city limits and specifically
enhanced utility service to Airglades International Airport. The City is slated to receive
$500,000 for the access improvements and $4.0 million for the water service improvement
project. Both projects are expected to have substantial positive impacts for the city and county.
As earlier reported, the City’s other request this year to the Florida Legislature for $13.5 million
in funding was not included in the approved state budget to improve Clewiston’s aging
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and expand the facility to handle increased capacity for
growth while achieving the ability to produce re-use water quality effluent. While this was
disappointing news, the City was aware the entire package of requests totaling $18.0 million was
a big ask in a single state legislative fiscal year. With this in mind, earlier this spring the City
began pursuing alternative funding sources for this remaining unfunded but critical infrastructure
project. To this end, the City submitted a request for a FY 23 Federal Community Project
Funding appropriation to complete the WWTP project. To effect this request, the City required a
Congressional Sponsor. Once again, as he has consistently done in the past, Congressman Mario
Diaz-Balart has agreed to sponsor a congressional funding request of $4.0 million for the project
which will allow completion of the first phase of improvements identified at the City’s WWTP
facility. This is a huge step forward which, if funded in the final congressional budget for FY
23, will complete much needed improvements to the existing plant while reducing the total
WWTP complete project need by approximately 30%. While the federal funding process goes
forward toward completion, the City is already planning to seek other federal and state grant
opportunities for funding the remainder of the WWTP project scope.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 1
The City is sincerely thankful to our elected federal and state representatives for this
unprecedented progress in providing grant funding to meet community needs which allows city
officials to avoid the undesirable alternative of pursuing borrowed funds to meet demands which
would adversely affect customer utility rates.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the City of Clewiston.
Randy Martin
Staff Reports
Golf Course Director Robbie Rush reports:
Get all information of what’s going on at Clewiston Golf Course Facebook.
Get on our E-mail 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 7:30am. Carts are due in at
5:45pm daily. The golf course is open 7 days a week. Tee Times are required. Contact
golf shop at 863-983-1448.
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 the Clewiston Police Department after hours.
Golf lessons and Club Repairs are available at the club from PGA Professional Robbie
Rush. Contact golf shop at 863-983-1448.
Monday Special after 12pm 18 holes with cart $30.00 plus tax per person.
Walking is permitted all day.
For more information call the golf shop 863-983-1448
Community Development Director/Fire Chief Travis Reese reports:
Planning and Zoning Board welcomed a new board member, Carolina Bentancor. Ms.
Bentancor was sworn in on June 01, 2022.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 2
Fire Marshal would like to let the community know that the burn ban has been lifted.
Please remember that burning of yard debris is prohibited inside city limits.
Library Director Natasha Hayes reports:
Library staff provided ready reference/computer assistance, circulation activities, and
patron programming to 1, 250 patrons this month.
This month’s programming activities have included:
o Virtual Anime Club
We invite tweens and teens to join us on June 8th, June 15th, and June 22nd
at 2:00 p.m. We will be watching anime provided courtesy of Crunchyroll
and talking about your favorite manga.
o On May 4th, children learned and practiced basic coding commands with Sphero
SPRK.
o A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the Free Comic Book Day on
Saturday, May 7th. We had so much fun! Families enjoyed making superhero
diamond painting, commanding Spheros, customizing their own buttons, and
exploring Virtual Reality.
o Virtual Reality Adventure
Tweens and teens explored the amazing world of virtual reality with the
Oculus Rift. Teens played some amazing VR games, like Beat Saber, Job
Simulator, and more!
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 3
o The last day for Lego Club was held Thursday, May 19th. This month’s challenge
was to build with an under the sea theme. Afterschool Lego Club will resume on
Thursday, August 18th from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.
The Adult book Club met on May 23rd to discuss “West with Giraffes” written by Lynda
Ruttledge. Come join the fun at our next TWO meetings: Monday, June 20th at 2:00 p.m.
and 5:15 p.m. to discuss the newest book club title, “The Lost and Found Bookshop” by
Susan Wiggs. With lively discussions, this group truly enjoys their meetings as they
exchange their thoughts about each new title.
HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:
Get ready, because we are gearing up for
Summer Reading Program! We are so excited
for you to dive in to all ocean-themed activities
and programs this summer with our theme of
“Oceans of Possibilities!” All of our programs
are FREE and open to the public.
Pirate Puppet Show with Captain Walt: Ahoy there! Visit the library on Thursday, June
2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Don’t miss this delightful pirate adventure for families with
children ages 4-11.
Summer Movie Madness: Every Monday at 1:00 p.m. You may bring your own pillows
and/or blankets to cozy up. Popcorn provided. FREE & open to everyone. For more
information on weekly themes and movie titles, please call the library at 863-983-1493.
Maritime Archaeology: Join us on Tuesday, June 7th at 10:00 a.m. ages 5-7. and on
Thursday, June 16th ages 8-11. Learn how archaeologist work in this alien environment,
the types of sites they study (hint: its’s not just shipwrecks!), the issues and problems
facing “submerged cultural resources,” and how underwater archaeologist work to protect
the tangible remains of our maritime past.
Dive in and explore with the Hendry County Diving Team. Thursday, June 9th at 10:00
a.m. Participants will learn an introduction to basic scuba equipment and safety
procedure.
Animal Island Hopping with Wild at Heart: Come for a fun, educational show with live
animals! Join us on Tuesday, June 21st at 10:00 a.m. ages 5-7. and on Thursday, June
30th ages 8-11.
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Beginning last month, a new career certification track became
available through Career Online High School: Introduction to Manufacturing! This is
one of the many career certifications available to those who enroll. The Career Online
High School program allows individuals to earn an accredited high school diploma for
FREE and at your own pace within the comfort of your own home or anywhere internet
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 4
access is available. Participants finish not only with their high school diploma but also
with a career certification and the tools needed to succeed in their chosen field.
Applicants who successfully complete the following will be considered for enrollment:
an “Are You Ready Survey,” a prerequisite course, and an in-person interview at the
Clewiston Library. Learn more about the program, including how to enroll and available
scholarship opportunities, visit http://www.hendrylibraries.org or call the Clewiston
Public Library at 863-983-1493. Your future is free and only 1 call away!
Needing a computer at home or a laptop to travel with? The Clewiston and Barron
Libraries have partnered with Komputers for Kids which is able to provide you an entire
desktop computer for as low as $40 (tower, flat screen monitor, mouse, and keyboard
included)-wifi card is available for only $15 and laptops as low as $75.00. Stop in at
either branch to check the inventory that is available.
Need a place to hold a meeting? What about a computer lab to host your
organization’s/company’s training? The Clewiston Library offers a classroom and
computer lab with a total of 16 computers for use. For more information or to secure the
room, please stop in or call the library at any time.
If you have not done so already, please join our Facebook page (Clewiston Public
Library) in order to remain up to date on the library’s events and programs.
Recap of Upcoming Events:
Pirate Puppet Show with Captain Walt– Thursday, June 2nd at 10:00 a.m.
Summer Movie Madness – Monday, June 6th at 1:00 p.m.
Maritime Archaeology – Tuesday, June 7th at 10:00 a.m. Ages 5-7
Anime Club Via Zoom – Wednesday, June 8th at 2:00 p.m.
Dive In and Explore with – Thursday, June 9th 10:00 a.m. Ages 8-11
Summer Movie Madness – Monday, June 13th at 1:00 p.m.
Oceans of Fun: Under the Sea Diamond Painting – Tuesday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m.
Anime Club Via Zoom – Wednesday, June 15th at 2:00 p.m.
Maritime Archaeology – Thursday, June 16th at 10:00 a.m.
Summer Movie Madness – Monday, June 20th at 1:00 p.m.
Book Club – Monday, June 20th at 2:00 & 5:15 p.m.
Island Hopping with Wild at Heart – Tuesday, June 21st at 10:00 a.m.
Anime Club Via Zoom – Wednesday, June 22nd at 2:00 p.m.
Big Catch of the Day – Thursday, June 23rd at 10:00 a.m.
Summer Movie Madness – Monday, June 27th at 1:00 p.m.
Oceans of Fun – Tuesday, June 28th at 10:00 a.m.
Island Hopping with Wild at Heart – Thursday, June 30th at 10:00 a.m.
Code Enforcement Officer Debbie Clay reports:
Except on scheduled collection days, all containers for the storage of garbage which are
located outside any dwellings in residential districts shall be located so that they are
obscured from view. Each container should only be placed at roadside on the night prior
to your service day and removed by darkness of the same service day.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 5
ARTICLE VI. - SOLID WASTE
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY
Sec. 74-170. - Prohibitions.
(e) Location of residential garbage container. Except on
scheduled collection days, all containers for the storage of
garbage which are located outside any dwellings in residential
districts shall be located so that they are obscured from view.
Photo is from street
view
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 6
ARTÍCULO VI. - RESIDUO SÓLIDO
División 1 – Generalmente
Segundo. 74-170. - Prohibiciones.
(mi)Ubicación del contenedor de basura residencial. Excepto
en los días programados de recolección, todos los
contenedores para el almacenamiento de basura que estén
ubicados fuera de las viviendas en los distritos residenciales
se ubicarán de manera que queden ocultos a la vista.
La foto es de la vista de la calle.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 7
ARTICLE VI. - SOLID WASTE
DIVISION2. - RESIDENTIAL COLLECTION SERVICES
Tipper carts should only be
placed at roadside on the
night prior to your service day
and removed by darkness of
the same service day.
Sec. 74-186. - Containers required for dwelling units; collection standards.
(c) On the day of scheduled service, each container shall be placed within three feet of
the curb or edge of roadway, except not on a sidewalk. The wheels of the container
should face the house. The container may be placed for service on the night prior to
collection but no later than 5:00 a.m. on the scheduled service day.
All containers must be removed from the street by darkness on the service day and
stored at the residence in accordance with section 74-170(e). If carts are left at the
street the day following collection, the city may move the cart to the customer's
property and charge a fee for this service. If a container remains at the street
recurrently, a fee as determined by the public works director will be imposed pursuant
to section 74-167. Any fee will be assessed with the monthly utility bill for the
customer.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 8
ARTÍCULO VI. - RESIDUO SÓLIDO
DIVISIÓN2. - SERVICIOS DE RECOGIDA RESIDENCIAL
Los carros basculantes solo deben
colocarse al borde de la carretera la
noche anterior a su día de servicio y
retirarse al anochecer el mismo día
de servicio.
Segundo. 74-186. - Contenedores requeridos para unidades de
vivienda; normas de cobro.
(C)El día del servicio programado, cada contenedor se colocará a menos de tres
pies del borde de la acera o del borde de la calzada, excepto que no se coloque
sobre una acera. Las ruedas del contenedor deben mirar hacia la casa. El
contenedor se puede colocar para el servicio la noche anterior a la recolección,
pero no más tarde de las 5:00 a. m. del día del servicio programado.
Todos los contenedores deben retirarse de la calle al anochecer el día del servicio
y almacenarse en la residencia de acuerdo consección 74-170 (e). Si los carritos se
dejan en la calle al día siguiente de la recolección, la ciudad puede mover el
carrito a la propiedad del cliente y cobrar una tarifa por este servicio. Si un
contenedor permanece en la calle de manera recurrente, se impondrá una tarifa
según lo determine el director de obras públicas de conformidad consección 74-
167 . Cualquier tarifa se evaluará con la factura mensual de servicios públicos
del cliente.
Police Chief Tom Lewis reports:
Police Department
New Employee – On June 2, 2022, Former Sergeant Buffie McLeod rejoined the police force
after being away for about a year. Buffie is a Clewiston native with more than 8 years of local
law enforcement experience. Please join us in welcoming her home.
On May 16, 2021, Chief Lewis and Commander Nieves were honored to accept the City
Commission Proclamation for 2022 National Police Week. On behalf of all the men and women
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 9
of the Clewiston Police Department, we send a heartfelt thank you to the Commission and to the
entire community we serve.
On May 17, 2022, members of the Police Department teamed-up with the Clewiston Green
Thumbs and gave the police department’s landscape a make-over. What a great public-private
partnership. We encourage everyone to stop by and see the new landscape.
On May 24, 2022, newly designed graphics were installed on the 7 new marked patrol cars. This
new design holds traditional elements that are patriotic, elements that hold our local values, and
it also incorporated a few new touches. The vehicles were issued to officers the same day. The
new vehicles come equipped with a number of new features that enhance officer safety and
reduce the risk of prisoner injury. New state-of-the-art laptop
computers were also added along with other equipment
to assist the officer in providing a level of
service to the Clewiston community that
meets our new customer service brand.
On May 24, 2022, Clewiston High School Teacher, Cecil Harris delivered a new training podium
to the police department. The podium was designed and built by students at the
high school, after our very generous Mayor paid for the materials, and it even
came with our department logo. As we focus on improving training at the
department, this is a great addition. Many thanks to everyone involved - and the
craftsmanship is quite impressive!
On May 27, 2022, Chief Lewis was hosted by Common Grounds Coffee Shop and the Clewiston
Chamber of Commerce for our Coffee with the Chief program. Chief
Lewis provided an update on what we've accomplished over the past
12 months and introduced our brand new patrol cars – giving the
public the opportunity to see it inside and out. We also unveiled a
brand new graphic design package. And of course, the presentation
included giving away a dozen coffee mugs as folks heard about how
their money was being spent and what the vision for the police
department's future looks like.
On May 30, 2022, Detective Williams, Officer Myers and
Officer Rodriguez joined the members of the Hendry County
Sheriff’s Office for a 21 gun salute during the Clewiston
Memorial Day ceremony.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 10On June 1, 2022 at approximately 8:30pm, officers responded to 533 West Alverdez Avenue in
reference to a report of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located two gunshot victims, an
unresponsive 36 year-old Hispanic female and a 31 year-old Hispanic male. The two victims
were determined to be siblings. Several family members witnessed the incident and identified the
shooter as 38 year-old Hispanic male, Juan Vega. Officers learned that Juan Vega fled the home
in a vehicle prior to their arrival.
After CPR efforts by on-scene officers, the female victim was
transported by Hendry County EMS to Hendry Regional Medical
Center, where she was pronounced deceased. The male victim was
transported by family members to Hendry Regional Medical Center,
where he was stabilized and transported by Rapid Response to St.
Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Information was shared,
via radio with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office regarding the identity of the suspect and
possible vehicle. A Sergeant with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle
travelling toward LaBelle on State Road 80. After a brief vehicle pursuit and with the assistance
of a Taser, the suspect, Juan Vega was taken into custody. Inside the suspect’s Dodge Ram pick-
up truck, deputies located a 22 caliber rifle, the same caliber believed to be used in the homicide.
The suspect, Juan Vega was booked into the Hendry County Jail on multiple charges including
Murder and Attempted Murder. Chief Tom Lewis said, “I appreciate the assistance of the
members of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. This is another example of how our great
working relationship is keeping the community safer. Taking Juan Vega into custody potentially
stopped another tragedy from happening.”
Animal Services
In the month of May 2022, Animal Services reported the intake of 136 cats and 50 dogs.
We encourage members of the public to visit the shelter and find your fur-ever pet and to visit
our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ClewistonAnimalControl, where you can see
the latest news and pictures of our four-legged friends.
Highlighted Training
During the week of May 16, 2022, Officer Rebecca Myers attended Crisis Intervention Training
in Fort Myers, Florida. The training was instructed by National Alliance on Mental Illness and
hosted at the Southwest Florida Public Safety Academy. This training prepares the student to
better deal with persons suffering from mental illness in the agency’s efforts to deescalate and
reduce using force on those suffering from a wide-range of mental illnesses.
During the week of May 16, 2022, Detective Charles Williams attended Applicant Background
Investigations Training in Fort Myers, Florida. The training was hosted at the Southwest Florida
Public Safety Academy. This course presents a thorough look at the background investigation
process used in hiring both sworn and civilian personnel in a criminal justice agency. Students
conduct a mock background investigation by verifying information and supporting
documentation from reliable databases and other sources, conducting appropriate interviews to
confirm information, identifying and resolving any discrepancies or disqualifications, and
preparing a case file and final report for presentation to management.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 11During the week of May 23, 2022, Commander Tito Nieves attended the FBI’s Florida Executive
Development Seminar in Key West, Florida. The week-long program is
designed for executive level law enforcement leaders and focuses on the
emerging challenges facing our profession and included topics such as:
Trends in law enforcement, Implications of the 21st Century Policing
Report, Public trust and legitimacy, Bias and diversity, Employee wellness,
Transformational leadership, and Social and emotional intelligence.
During the week of May 23, 2022, Officer Curtis Mixon and Officer Ethan
Rodriguez attended the Radar and Laser Speed Measurement course at the Southwest Florida
Public Safety Academy. This grant-funded program will certify each officer in the use of radar
and laser.
General Services Director Williams reports:
Electric Crew Activities:
o Straightened a pole on Sonora;
o changed a bad transformer on E Del Rio and Virginia Street.
o replaced a service line on Arcade downed by a tree;
o restored power to a customer on Del Monte caused by an open fuse;
o removed vegetation from power lines on W Circle;
o repaired street lights;
o changed all connectors on a pole at 444 W Trinidad;
o disconnected service on E Ventura for contractor work;
o installed new service to three customers in the Community of Harlem;
o repaired damaged pole caused by lightning on 7th ST;
o set anchors, guy wire and framed poles with insulators for new power line to sewer
plant;
o supervised contractor work cleaning and painting substation house.
Water Sewer Crew Activities:
o Made emergency repairs to three water lines;
o performed equipment repairs at two lift stations;
o located buried utilities at five locations.
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 attic insulation, remember the
City offers a rebate program for those items. Most local contractors participate in the
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 12program and can give you more 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.
Facility Maintenance:
o Roof repairs were performed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Gazebo in
Civic Park.
o Staff made five air conditioner repairs, and replaced filters in all the city facility units.
o Staff repaired the ice machine at the Golf Course Pro Shop.
o Staff removed debris from the gutters at the Youth Center
o Staff made repairs to a desk in the Utilities office.
o Staff addressed lighting issues at the PD, City Hall and Animal Control facilities.
o Staff made repairs to a damaged trash receptacle at the levee picnic table area.
Street Division:
o Staff has been cleaning catch basins and street sweeping throughout town to improve
surface water drainage.
o Staff continues to help the Solid Waste division pick up debris piles off of city streets.
o Staff has been collecting shopping carts and returning them to the store owners.
o Staff has been making street sign repairs as needed.
o Staff repaired a failed drainage culvert on W. Ventura.
o A Street Department employee helped out with mowing duties at the Golf Course due
to staff shortages.
Solid Waste:
o With the help of Code Enforcement we are making strides in getting the word out to
our residents about keeping their debris piles in compliance with our City ordinances.
o Staff continues to collect recycling from all of our city buildings.
o We have resumed invoicing for unscheduled debris pick up.
Ball Fields:
o A sprinkler system well is down and will be repaired when the parts arrive.
o The fields are being treated and maintained.
Recreation:
o Bookings for our facilities are staying steady and our staff is busy maintaining the
facilities at all times.
o We are spraying our parks with weed suppression in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
o The Splash Pad is open and enjoyed seven days a week.
o The Recreation Department landing page is currently down, but you can check our
Facebook page for information about the YMCA Youth Summer Camp program.
Central Garage:
o Our fleet is maintained and running, despite difficult part availability.
o Staff continues to service and maintain our emergency generators to ensure they are
available at all times.
FYI – June 3, 2022 Page 13You can also read
