Dates to Remember
Aug. 29 – Auditor Selection Committee Meeting
Aug. 29 – City Commission Budget Workshop

Office of the City Manager

Citizens, Business Owners & Other Interested Parties:

The City of Clewiston, with assistance from our partners at the Florida Municipal Power Association (FMPA), continue efforts to inform electric utility customers about the adverse impacts from escalating energy prices that have inflated the power cost adjustment portion of everyone’s utility bills in recent months. The City and FMPA officials continue to encourage all customers to consider changes that could reduce electricity usage as we all collectively look forward to what we hope will be better conditions in the future. Please follow the City’s social media platforms and website for information on this important topic which is impacting all electric utility providers not just in Florida but throughout the world.

In other municipal service areas, the City staff continues to work with contractors to complete several large public works type infrastructure projects within the community. Of particular note, progress is ongoing in the downtown area on three major concurrent capital projects. The City has contracted to replace and improve the drainage systems along East Ventura Avenue and several connecting streets and on the south side of Trinidad Park. As previously reported, these improvements are being funded with a state grant and will be quite impactful in addressing drainage system deficiencies in the vicinity. This project is scheduled to be wrapped up this summer. The same contractor has been engaged to complete long needed city contracted rehabilitation of East Ventura Avenue’s street surface in the same section. As is readily apparent to area visitors, this project is underway and will culminate with a new asphalt resurfacing for this section of East Ventura later this summer as well. This project is being funded with a combination of state grant funding supplemented by city funds designated for street improvements.

The third project impacting significant portions of this section of the downtown area south of East Ventura Avenue is another grant funded project to replace undersized water lines in the area with larger service lines which will significantly improve water pressure and result in the ability to better provide essential fire protection services to the entire area through the larger lines and the installation of fire hydrants. Several of the business owners in the area have been requesting these improvements for some time to address documented service issues. As a bonus benefit, the service enhancements may facilitate additional redevelopment investment with the improved service capabilities particularly in the vicinity of Alverdez, Commercio and some of the adjoining streets reaching as far to the south as Aztec. This project has been discussed in various forms for years by former city officials and when complete will have a comprehensive positive impact on the community. This project also improves water supply and fire protection north of Ventura Avenue in the vicinity of the city office complex including the fire department facility and was an important factor in the ongoing redevelopment of the Alan Jay dealership site. Alan Jay owners are participating in the project and contributing funds to ensure that all their utility needs are met. All three planned phases of the water line project will be completed later this summer.

While the City is pleased to be able to invest millions of dollars at this time to rebuild infrastructure in this area with huge savings to local taxpayers as a result of successful grant funding efforts, city officials also recognize that the scale of the construction activities in a compact densely populated area have resulted in associated inconveniences and typical capital outlay project related quality of life disruptions and short term impacts for residents and businesses within the project scope. On behalf of the City, our apologies for these type impacts. Based upon the vast majority of the feedback received thus far, it is very reassuring that the community is generally supportive of the improvements being made and quite understanding from my perspective. For that, we also thank each of you and pledge our best efforts to facilitate completion of the project as expeditiously as possible with the highest quality of success with the finished products of the effort. If any citizen needs more information on these or any of the other ongoing projects being undertaken by the City, please reach out to city staff for assistance.

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.

• Rates have changed for the summer for non-members (Reduced). $32 plus tax for 18 holes and $15.50 plus tax for nine holes. If you pay for 18 holes you can play as many as you want in the same day.

• Walking is permitted all day.

• Golf Shop hours are 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The first tee time is 7:45 a.m. Carts are due in at 7:15 p.m. daily. The golf course is open six days a week (Closed on Mondays for the summer months).

• Advertise a tee sign out on the golf course. If you are interested in advertising your business at the golf course call 863-983-1448.

• The driving range is closed on Mondays in the summer months.

• 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 repair are available at the club from PGA professional Robbie Rush. Contact golf shop at 863-983-1448.

• Clewiston Golf Course can supply all your golfing needs. You can inquire in the golf shop for whatever merchandise you need.

• The greens have been aerified. The front nine July 25 and the back nine Aug. 1.

• Junior Golf Camp #2 that took place on July 18-22, fielded 35 kids for a total of 80 children that participated in golf camp this summer.

• Seminole Tribe of Florida has scheduled a private event for Saturday, Aug. 13.

• U.S. Sugar has scheduled their Employee Golf Outing for Saturday, Sept. 10.

For more information call the golf shop 863-983-1448

Community Development Director/Fire Chief Travis Reese reports:

• Two new homes will be built on East Ventura.

• New home on Sugarland Circle has been completed.

• Business tax receipt season is upon us. Invoices will be mailed out soon. Business tax receipts are due by Sept. 30, 2022.

Library Director Natasha Hayes reports:

• Library staff provided ready reference/computer assistance, circulation activities, and patron programming to 1,606 patrons this month.

• This month’s programming activities have included:

• Sea Adventure with Museum of Discovery & Science was held on Thursday, July 7th with a total 40 participants.
• Monday Movie Madness was held on July 11, 18, and 25 from 1 – 3 p.m. There were a total of 53 participants.
• Sea Art Painting - A HUGE thank you to Ms. Mary Thomas for spending time with us! We had way too much fun painting beach scenes!

• Boating safety and bass fishing event was held on Thursday, July 14. We had an awesome interactive presentation by Captain Leo Doran with the Freedom Force Fishing Team and Mr. Busin. We had 41 children in attendance.

• Oceans of Fun Craft - On July 19th, children and families created their own message in a bottle using the Viking Alphabet and Reverse Alphabet. There were a total of 38 participants.

• On Thursday, July 21, Sergeant Douglas McNeil from the Hendry County Sheriff Marine Unit presented education on boat safety and answered questions.

• The Adult Book Club met on July 25 to discuss “The Lincoln Highway” written by Amor Towles. Come join the fun at our next two meetings: Monday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. to discuss the newest book club title, “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins. With lively discussions, this group truly enjoys their meetings as they exchange their thoughts about each new title.
• Pirate Magic Show with Jim Chartier (showtimeforkidz) was held on Tuesday, July 26, with a total 52 participants.
• Seashells by the Seashore: Mollusks on the Move presented by Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum was held on July 28th. We had a blast learning how to identify seashells with Ms. Kelsey Hausmann. There were a total of 43 participants.

• Are you ready to earn your high school diploma? 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 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 www.hendrylibraries.org or call the Clewiston Public Library at 863-983-1493. Your future is free and only 1 call away!

• 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.

• Upcoming Events:

• Medicare Part C Via Zoom– Wednesday, Aug. 24, at noon
• LEGO Club – Thursday, Aug. 25, at 3:45 p.m.
• Book Club – Monday, Aug. 29, at 2 & 5:15 p.m.
• Medicare Part D – Tuesday, Aug. 30, at noon.

Code Enforcement Officer Debbie Clay reports:

All cardboard boxes must be broken down and placed directly into the carts for pickup!

^{Article VI. – Solid Waste
Division 2. – Residential Collection Services}

^{Sec. 74-187. Collection scheduling and placement
(a) Garbage. The city will collect garbage under the following conditions:
(1) Residential garbage will be collected on regular schedules. Pickups shall not be reduced by holidays, but pickups normally scheduled to be made on a holiday may be rescheduled by the city.
(2) Garbage, as defined herein, shall not be deposited directly into the carts but shall be placed in plastic or paper bags, a box, etc. Garbage placed in unapproved containers or placed outside of the approved city-issued cart will not be picked up. Cardboard boxes must be broken down and placed directly into the carts. Residential solid waste consisting of construction and demolition debris resulting from minor home repair from the dwelling unit may be placed directly into the cart.
(3) Garbage not placed within the approved city containers shall not be picked by the city. Exceptions to this standard will be made during the Christmas holiday period.
Special pickups will be coordinated by the resident and the public works department as to time, place, date and items to be picked up. A minimum fee, found in appendix A to this Code, will be charged. The director of public works or his designee shall charge an additional amount above the minimum based on excessive volume, difficulty of collection, and other relevant factors. This fee shall be charged with the customer’s next regular utility bill.}

^{Both our Public Works and Code Enforcement personnel will continue focused enforcement on this ordinance as well as continued enforcement of all City of Clewiston Ordinance.}

^{The complete City of Clewiston Ordinances is available online and may be accessed utilizing the City of Clewiston website: www.clewiston-fl.gov/ or Municode Library website: library.municode.com/fl/clewiston/codes/code_of_ordinances}

^{If you have any questions about how to achieve/maintain compliance with this or any other City of Clewiston Ordinance you may contact our office at 863-983-1454 extension 309.}

Police Chief Tom Lewis reports:

Police Department
New Employee - On July 28, Lionel Conyers came back home! He is a former Clewiston Police Officer. After being gone for about a year, where he was a school resource officer for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, he’s back with us. He comes to us with more than 20 years of experience. Please join us in welcoming him home.

On July 1, the police department travelled to the Collier County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and picked-up some lightly used workstations. Those stations were repurposed at the police department to create a more functional City EOC should we ever need to activate due to a natural disaster or other emergency. We need to extend a huge thank you to Collier County EOC staff for the furniture as well as our friends at the Hendry County EOC for setting everything in motion.

On July 14, Sergeant Roberts, Detective Williams, and Officer Rodriguez attended the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Traffic Safety Challenge training and award ceremony. The all-expense paid event was held in Orlando, Florida where the Clewiston Police Department was recognized and awarded with 1st Place in a state-wide traffic safety challenge! We competed with more than 200 law enforcement agencies and these results are a reflection of our commitment to the Clewiston community.

On July 22, at approximately 7:15pm, Clewiston Animal Services received a call about a dog being thrown out of a maroon Kia on the corner of Olympia Street and Aztec Avenue. If anyone has information about this incident you are asked to call the Clewiston Police Department or SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tips called in to Crime Stoppers are 100% anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 for information that helps our detective make an arrest in this case. We are asking the community to share this information.

Animal Services
In the month of June 2022, Animal Services reported the intake of 105 cats, 72 dogs, and 2 guinea pigs.

Highlighted Training
During the week of June 27, Officer Ethan Rodriguez attended a DUI Detection and Standard Field Sobriety course as well as an Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement course. These grant-funded training courses were hosted in Naples, Florida and will bring the department up-to-speed on the latest DUI legal aspects as well as safety techniques when performing roadside evaluations.

During the week of July 11, Sergeant Willie Roberts attended two courses, Criminal Justice Leader Ethics and Conducting Background Investigations. Both classes were hosted in Fort Pierce, Florida and were at no-cost to the police department.

On July 12, the police department hosted Christine L. Maughan, human services practitioner from the University of South Florida. She provided the entire agency with Autism Training. This training was at no-cost to the agency and provided the most up-to-date resources when dealing with folks suffering from Autism.

General Services Director Williams reports:

• Electric Crew Activities:

• A new net meter was installed on Del Rio Avenue,
• New services were run to Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas and Della Tobias Streets
• Repaired street lights
• Removed vegetation on Ponce De Leon Avenue
• Exercised three switches in the distribution substation
• Straighten a pole on Sonora feeder and installed a new pole for service to Mississippi Avenue address
• Repaired bad underground service in Harlem gardens, S. Francisco and replaced underground service at S. Lopez
• Replaced fuse to High School field house
• Replaced a broken pole top pin on Alabama street
• Helped Public Works crew with tree trimming on Ponce De Leon Avenue

• Water Sewer Crew Activities:

A new 230kW DIESEL GENERAC emergency generator has been installed at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The generator will power the entire plant in the event of a weather related power outage. We are proud to report that the project was funded by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant!

• Replaced lift station pump on east end of town, repaired 2 lift stations,
• Rreplaced pumps at lift station at Bass Capital and Eastside/Westside
• Repaired five water breaks
• Changed out five water meters

• Customer Service Department

• 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 www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0532-solar-power-your-home .
• 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.
• 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 program and can give you more information. You can also visit our website at www.clewiston-fl.gov or call our office.
• It’s lightning season! Don’t forget to sign up for your meter based surge protection! Visit our office today.
• Online bill pay is available on our web site at www.clewiston-fl.gov or www.municipalonlinepayments.com/clewistonfl

• Facility Maintenance:

• Repairs to include:
  ∙ five air conditioning systems.
  ∙ minor plumbing repairs to the rest rooms at Concession 3 in Sugarland Park
  ∙ minor roof repairs at the Police Department, Community Redevelopment and John B. Boyd Auditorium buildings
  ∙ lighting issues at the WW Treatment Plant
• Property maintenance performed to A/C units at JBA, and filters were changed at all city facilities.
• Staff helped move furniture and equipment at the Police Department
• Staff rebuilt the water cooler stations on the golf course, and rebuilt the hand rails in the restrooms.
• Our appreciation goes to local radio station WAFC for a successful Back Pack give away and back to school supplies at the JBA.

• Street Division:

• Assisted other departments
  ∙ Prepare property for annual July 4th fireworks display
  ∙ mow all of the non-playing surfaces in the Sports Complex
  ∙ pick up Solid Waste piles throughout our city
• Our pothole crew continues to battle potholes all over our town.
• Staff has been repairing damaged street signs and clearing vegetation to improve site lines.
• Staff continues to mow around our substation and Mosquito Control stations as needed.
• Staff continues to collect shopping carts and return them to the owners.

• Solid Waste:

• We are working with Code Enforcement to notify residents of oversized debris piles.
• Staff continues to collect recycle materials from all city buildings

• Ball Fields:

• Staff picked up the fields and surrounding property following July 4th fireworks display.
• All clay surfaces are being treated with weed killer.
• The Adult Softball season has begun.
• The sprinkler systems have been adjusted to operate only as needed due to the continuing rainfall.

• Recreation:

• The network and phone system have been installed in the Youth Center and our new Recreation Director Lauren McGinnis has taken office this month.
• Staff has been helping the Ball Field crew with mowing, string trimming and any other work that is needed.
• Events are steady at the JBA and we keep the building ready at all times, touching up interior paint and making repairs as needed.

• Central Garage

Our technician continues to maintain our fleet and emergency backup generators to ensure that they are operational at ALL times.