Clewiston FYI

Posted 5/5/23

From The City Manager & Staff May 4, 2023

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Clewiston FYI

Posted

From The City Manager & Staff May 4, 2023

The City of Clewiston’s 2022 Employees of the Year were recognized by the City Commission at the April 17, 2023 Commission Meeting. Front row, left to right, She-Quan Horace, Monica Perez, Jay Ensminger, Shari Howell and Mercedes Chavarria. Back row, left to right, Commissioner Barbara Edmonds, Vice Mayor Greg Thompson, Mayor James Pittman, Commissioner Hillary Hyslope and Commissioner Mali Gardner.

Dates to Remember
May 15, 2023 – City Commission Meeting
May 18, 2023 – Golf Course Advisory Board Meeting
May 22, 2023 – City Commission Workshop
May 29, 2023 – Memorial Day Holiday – City Offices Closed
May 30, 2023 – Special Magistrate Hearing

Office of the City Manager

Citizens, Business Owners & Other Interested Parties:

Several long anticipated impactful projects and actions related to the future development of the City of Clewiston have seen significant progress of late. The C-21 bridge project providing improved access to the Lake Okeechobee dike continues to progress without delay toward completion which is expected near calendar year end. This long desired grant funded major access improvement will have significant advantages for the city long term. The timing is good for several reasons and has spurred the city to complete the grant funded boating access master plan for the lakefront area. The Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider action on May 15 to approve a preferred concept plan for the recreation area.

On April 27, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the first new construction of an industrial facility completed in Commerce Park in more than a decade. Also depicted in the Community Development update in this FYI, the City Commission has approved the zoning of a large scale 405.8 acre Planned Unit Development (PUD) for property owned by U.S. Sugar Corporation (USSC) located adjacent to the northern boundary of the U.S. 27 highway referenced as Clewiston North and Marina project which will provide for a mix of residential, commercial and open space uses including a maximum of 551 single family dwellings, 349 multifamily dwellings, 370,000 square feet of non-residential use for commercial/office/marina/resort and 170 hotel rooms. The owner expects the development will occur in phases over the next couple of decades to meet housing and commercial needs in the City. This project follows previous Commission approval of an amended smaller scale 120 acre PUD site also owned by USSC and located directly south of the U.S. 27 highway with an aligned corridor access point referenced as Clewiston South project which will provide for a mix of residential, limited commercial and open space uses including a maximum of 570 dwellings targeted to provide workforce housing opportunities. The limited scale commercial elements include a maximum of 15,000 square feet within 4 acres of the USSC owned property and 100 hotel rooms to be located on a separate adjacent 2.5 acre site currently under separate ownership for which site plan approval is underway.

The City is taking final actions to effect rezoning of 86.05 acres of commercial property to the newly created U.S. 27 Commercial Corridor District classification. After years of consideration, the new district was recently created to encourage commercial infill development and redevelopment along designated portions of U.S. 27. The city staff have been advised of multiple commercial projects awaiting action on this change. Final action following a public hearing is scheduled for May 15th on this important initiative aimed at encouraging desirable growth along the highway corridor. The City is also in the process of considering final actions on the requested voluntary annexation of 438 acres of property owned by USSC and located contiguous to the western city limits also along the northern boundary of U.S. 27 highway referenced as the Clewiston 440 project which will provide for light industrial/commercial/storage type development with an estimated build out capacity of 4.4 million square feet. The tract is unique in that it has significant rail access as well as two public highway access points. Two adjacent parcels owned by others are also included in the annexation area under consideration totaling an additional combined 22.8 acres.

The City will soon authorize the design phase for the grant funded extension of enhanced water utility infrastructure along the US 27 corridor west of the city limits to connect with the county owned water tank located at the airport. This project will enhance water service capabilities and ensure adequate fire protection capabilities for future development along the route. The county is already in the process of taking next steps to contract remaining phases of the planned wastewater forcemain along the same corridor route also utilizing grant funds. The county has already completed the first phase of the forcemain which allows for the planned connection to the city wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located south of the city limits.

With all of this activity underway, it has become a necessity that the city pursue development of a comprehensive utilities master plan for the city and other areas served. The Commission recently authorized staff to engage in the first steps which are aimed at securing grant funding for the bulk of this effort. I will conclude this update with some of the most important news that has city officials holding our breath until a final decision is made on the state budget. As previously shared, Clewiston with Hendry County’s support had requested the balance of funding needed to be appropriated by the legislature for the planned WWTP project upgrade and expansion. As of this writing, city officials have been advised the proposed state budget to be considered by the entire legislature on Friday includes the full $11.0 million request. Barring any disruptions to the process or any changes made necessary by the Governor’s veto authority in the weeks ahead, we all will owe our legislative delegation comprised of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House of Representatives member Lauren Melo a tremendous debt of gratitude for their support in championing our request thus far. As I have previously stated, I truly believe this accomplishment will be of “game changing” significance for the city and eastern Hendry County in the years ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in the City of Clewiston.

Randy Martin

Staff Reports

Recreation & Leisure Services Director Lauren McGinnis reports:

• Our 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt was a wonderful day! We had over 1,000 children enjoying finding eggs, seeing the Easter Bunny, and playing in the bounce houses! We are so thankful that the Easter Bunny was able to take time out of their busy schedule to hop by and hide more than 3,000 eggs and stay for pictures. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and enjoy a full day of fun with the family!

• The YMCA is hosting summer camp at the Youth Center again this year. There is still room to enroll your child. If you would like to enroll in the YMCA summer camp you can visit the following link to sign up: https://www.ymcaswfl.org/summer-camp

• The renovations at the C.S. Mott pool are fully underway and are moving on track. We are hoping to have the pool up and ready by the end of June! Are you or someone you know looking for a summer job. We are looking for lifeguards for the C.S. Mott Pool. To view the job posting, please visit the following link: https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/egov/documents/1681735219_944.pdf

• The Youth Center is open daily. At the end of May we will transition to our Summer hours of operation. We will still be open for students to enjoy our building daily over the summer. We will be open daily for students from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM. We invite all of our youth to come and enjoy all of the board games, books, xbox game systems, and 3D printers at the Youth Center every day after school.

• The Splash pad now has new Summer Hours. The water will be on from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM every day.

• Our facilities are almost completely booked for 2023 and we are booking quickly for the 2024 year, with several dates now having a waiting list! Don’t wait, if you are thinking about hosting an event at one of our facilities or parks give us a call today to see what we have to offer.

• We want to hear from you! We are working on organizing more family fun community events, and we would love to know what you would like to see. No idea is too big or small, we want it all from video game tournaments to movies in the park and everything in between. Please send any ideas or recommendations to lauren.mcginnis@clewiston-fl.gov. If you are willing to donate and/or sponsor an event or activity please reach out. We would love to hear from you!

• If you have any pictures enjoying any of our parks or facilities that you would like to share please tag us on facebook or email them to lauren.mcginnis@clewiston-fl.gov. We love to see our community enjoying the many spaces we have to offer.

• Be sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date information on all events and activities going on at the Youth Center.

Library Director Natasha Hayes reports:

• Library staff provided ready reference/computer assistance, circulation activities, and patron programming to 1,161 patrons this month.

• This month’s programming activities have included:

• Attention OverDrive app users! The OverDrive app will be discontinued on May 1, 2023, so we recommend you upgrade to Libby today. All your loans, holds, and wish list items will be waiting for you in Libby when you add your library card. Libby also comes with new features we know you will like:

• Tags to categorize books however you would like- you can even sync your OverDrive wishlist into a tag.

• A central bookshelf for all loans and holds

• Customizable notifications for ready holds, and more

• Compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sonos speakers

• Easy access to overdrive support staff

• A variety of language options like Spanish, Chinese, Ukrainian, Arabic, Russian, Vietnamese, and more!

• Options for Kindle Fire devices: As Amazon has not yet accepted the Libby app to the Amazon Appstore, the OverDrive app will remain available for Kindle Fire users to download and access until further notice. Users with Kindle Fire devices can also sideload Libby manually.

If you have questions or need help making the switch, be sure to stop by the library! We are happy to help you to make the transition.

• There were 34 participants who completed April’s scavenger hunt challenge. Be sure to check out the new theme and find what’s hidden around the library.

• Gaming Club was held every Tuesday with a total of 23 participants. Make sure to swing by the library and join the fun!

• Anime Club was held every Monday and Friday with a total of 29 participants.

• The Friends of the Clewiston Library Book Club met on April 17th to discuss “The Maid ” written by Nita Prose. The book club is growing and we would love to have you be a part of that! There were a total of 17 participants.

• LEGO Builders Club was held on Thursday, April 27th. This month’s challenge was to build with a superhero theme.

• We had a terrific tax season. One hundred and forty two patrons have utilized the free tax assistance services provided through VITA United Way at the library.

HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:

• Scavenger Hunt: Stop by the library anytime starting Thursday, May 4th until Tuesday, May 30th to find the Ewoks and solve the riddle!

• FREE Comic Book Day: We are participating in FREE Comic Book Day again this year! Come by the library from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for free comics (while supplies last), board games, crafts, SPHERO Bolts, Mini Drones, and a costume contest! This is a whole family event.

• STEM 3D Pen Art: You asked, and we delivered! 3D Pen Art is back. Join us on Wednesday, May 10th at 3:30 p.m. We are recommending this program for ages 8 and over. Space for this club is limited. Register now to reserve your seat!

• Coding Robot Sphero Bolt: Learn the basics of coding, navigate obstacles, and participate in group activities. Stop by on Thursday, May 11 & May 18 at 3:30 p.m. Please call the library or email library@clewiston-fl.gov to register. Children ages 6-12. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults.

• Tweens & Teens Button Making: Join the fun and design your own buttons on Friday, May 12 at 3:30 p.m. Please call the library or email library@clewiston-fl.gov to register.

• Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality: The library provides access to a variety of 360°views and graphically stunning VR worlds. Apps, games, and experiences include a variety of environments for education, exploration, and play. To make an appointment, please send an email to library@clewiston-fl.gov

• Fun with Drones: The library is hosting a fun educational program. This class will be held after school on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m. Come and learn about drones and see how they work.

• Book Club: Come join the fun at our next TWO meetings: Wednesday, May 17 at 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. to discuss the newest book club title, “Lessons in Chemistry ” by Bonnie Garmus. With lively discussions, this group truly enjoys their meetings as they exchange their thoughts about each new title. New readers are always welcome.

• VR Beat Saber Challenge: How far can you go in expert mode? Join us to play Beat Saber a VR game that challenges players to slash small cubes to the beat of electronic music. Join the fun on Tuesday, May 23 at 3:00 p.m. Ages 10 and up. Registration is required.

• STEAM Ozobot Evo: Have fun with Ozobots that move in patterns and play games. Join us on Wednesday, May 24 at 3:45 p.m. Recommended age 6 and up. Please pre-register by phone 863-983-1493 or email library@clewiston-fl.gov.

• LEGO Builders Club: Love LEGO bricks? Come join in the club and build your own masterpiece! LEGO Club meets on Thursday, May 25th at 3:30 p.m. This is a free STEAM activity aimed for children aged 5-12.

• Anime and Manga Club

o In-Person (Open to 6th-12th graders): Anime Club meets every Friday from 3:30 -4:15 p.m. Come hang out and chat with other Anime fans. We will be watching anime provided courtesy of Crunchyroll and talking about your favorite manga.

o Via Zoom: We invite tweens and teens to join us every Monday at 3:30 p.m. To register, email library@clewiston-fl.gov to receive Zoom log-in information. If you are under 18, please be sure to have a guardian’s permission to participate in this online event.

• Gaming & VR Club: You don’t want to miss this! Stop in at 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday for video games. We have Beat Saber, Roller Coaster Ride, Super Smash Bro’s, Mario Kart, Minecraft, Animal Crossing and the Oculus Quest! Open to all skill levels. Children ages 7 and up. Walk-ins welcome, but registering is always encouraged for better preparation.

• Summer Reading Program : The library is gearing up for the Summer Reading Program beginning on Tuesday, May 30th. Open to children of all ages. The Program is a two-month effort to keep the community engaged and learning throughout the summer months. A list of performances and activities is coming soon. Stay tuned!

• SHINE (Serving health Insurance Needs of Elders) and Area Agency on Aging-Southwest Florida will be hosting virtual classes for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare! To register for upcoming webinars, email library@clewiston-fl.gov or call 863-983-1493.

• New Library Hours:
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• 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.

• Please stop by the library to pick up a calendar with a list of events and programs so you can join in on the fun.

Recap of Upcoming Events:

• Saturday, May 6

o Virtual Reality at 3:00 p.m.
o Anime Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 8
o Manga Club Via Zoom at 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 9
o Gaming Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 10
o Medicare Part C Via Zoom at 12:00 p.m.
o STEAM 3D Pen Art at 3: 30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 11
o Coding robot: Sphero Bolt at 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 12
o Tween & Teen Button Making at 3:00 p.m.
o Anime Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 15
o Manga Club Via Zoom at 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 16
o Medicare Part D Via Zoom at 12:00 p.m.
o Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality at 3:00 p.m.
o Gaming Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 17
o Book Club at 2:00 p.m. & 5:15 p.m.
o Fun with Drones at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 18
o Coding robot: Sphero Bolt at 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 19
o Virtual Reality at 3:00 p.m.
o Anime Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 22
o Manga Club Via Zoom at 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 23
o Beat Saber Challenge at 3:00 p.m.
o Gaming Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 24th
o STEAM Ozobots EVO at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 25
o LEGO Builders Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 26
o Virtual Reality at 3:00 p.m.
o Anime Club at 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 29 - CLOSED
• Tuesday, May 30
o Summer Reading Program at 10:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 31
o Medicare Financial Assistance Via Zoom at 12:00 p.m.

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 Season for Non-members $45.00 Plus Tax 18 Holes and $22.50 Plus Tax for 9 Holes.

• Group Rates are available and we run a Monday Special after 12pm. Call the golf shop for more information.

• Walking is permitted all day.

• Golf Shop Hours are 7:45am-5:30pm. The first tee time is 8:00am. Carts are due in at 7:00pm daily. The golf course is open 7 days a week.

• 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 has a new token machine now. Get your tokens in the golf shop.

• 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.

• Ladies Day - 8:30am Tuesday’s

• Senior Men’s Group - 9:00am Tuesday’s and Friday’s

• Men’s Group - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call golf shop for times.

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

Community Development Director/Fire Chief Travis Reese reports:

• Special Exception was granted for the building at 601 W. Alverdez Avenue. The building will be transformed from a medical office facility into 12 new one bedroom apartments.

• VIA Clewiston located at 518 Commerce Court, had a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed warehouse. The new building contains approximately 32,000 square feet of air conditioned space for light industrial use.

• Clewiston North and Marina PUD was approved at the April 17 Commission Hearing. This new PUD is approximately 405 acres, and will contain single and multi-family zones, commercial zoning area along Sugarland Highway, as well as a resort and marina area.

• Clewiston Fire Department held a show and tell with truck display and fire safety with the local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America in Clewiston at the Youth Center.

• Clewiston Fire Department and Hendry County Sheriff’s Department held an all day long Fire and Safety Education Day at Captain Hendry House in LaBelle for the west Hendry elementary school kids. Children had a chance to explore a fire truck and learned the importance of fire safety.

• Clewiston Fire Department was proud to participate in the 2nd annual Westside Elementary Schools Touch-a-Truck Day for the kindergarteners.

• Clewiston Volunteer Fire Department is accepting prequalification applications for new firefighters. If interested please pick up the application at 121 Central Ave., Clewiston, Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm.

Code Compliance Supervisor Debbie Clay reports:

“April showers bring may flowers”…and high grass and weeds

Clewiston Ordinance
Sec. 18-313. - Duties and responsibilities of owner and/or occupant of lot, parcel, or tract.
(a) General maintenance of landscaping and vegetation.

(1) Every owner and/or occupant of property within the city shall be required to maintain all yard areas which are covered by grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines, hedges, trees, or palms; and/or nonliving durable material commonly used in landscaping such as rocks, pebbles, or decorative mulch.

(2) The owner and/or occupant of all property within the city shall maintain such property free of all debris, deteriorated building materials, rubbish, or any other material which by reason of height, proximity to neighboring structures, physical condition, or peculiar characteristics might cause damage to life or property within the surrounding area.
(3) All grass areas and lawns shall be properly maintained and kept free of dead plants, refuse, and debris.
(4) The owner and/or occupant of improved property within the city shall maintain all grass and weeds at a height of less than eight inches.
(5) The owner of unimproved property within the city shall maintain all grass and weeds at a height of less than 12 inches.
(6) The creation of other nuisances or safety hazards, such as vegetation of any sort being allowed to grow in or upon improved streets, gutters, or sidewalks; standing pools of water; holes; excavation; windblown soil or erosion caused by soil left exposed without landscaping, is prohibited.

Code Enforcement personnel will begin focused enforcement on these ordinances in May 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: https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/
or Municode Library website: https://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

On March 30, 2023, the police department hosted the community for the first-ever ‘CPD Chill-Out Day’. Approximately 250 members of the community of all ages showed-up, met their community police officers, our animal control officer
and enjoyed a free shaved ice. It’s just a small gesture of our appreciation for your support. We love our community!

On March 31, 2023, Chief Lewis honored Sergeant Tico Salgado as Officer of the Year and Dispatcher She’Quan Horace as Employee of the Year at the Clewiston Elks Lodge. Please join us in congratulating both deserving winners!

ACCREDITATION – Over the last 22 months, we have been working hard to prepare the police department to be accredited for the first time in the 98-year history of the city. We are very pleased to have secured three subject matter experts from around the state to provide our agency with a three-day mock assessment in September to better prepare us for the official state assessment. The dates of December 12-14, 2023 are our official accreditation assessment dates. During this time, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will send a team of subject matter experts to the Clewiston Police Department for a three-day on-site assessment. This accredited status will show the public, whom we proudly serve every day, that every aspect of our operation is operating under best practices and outside experts get a continuing first-hand look at our operation.

On April 17, 2023, the City Commission formally accepted a grant award in the amount of $3,175.00 from the Walmart Community Grant program. The local Clewiston Walmart manager approved the police department’s application for the money to be used for our annual Shop with a Cop program. Please join us in thanking them for their partnership in making our local kids’ 2023 Christmas even better!

On April 20, 2023, Chief Lewis and Commander Nieves attended the Palm Beach County Chiefs Association Meeting, where they were voted in as official members. This new access to networking with our East Coast counterparts will prove invaluable for the sharing of resources and ideas.

On April 26, 2023, Chief Lewis participated in a radio-show interview on 91.5 FM’s Talking Glades with PJ to discuss the operation of the police department and animal services within the city. As the live show is broadcast on radio as well as recorded for the internet audience, an estimated 10,000 people will tune-in and listen. Chief Lewis highlighted the current progress of the accreditation process.

Save the Date – On May 25, 2023 at 8:00 a.m., our Coffee with the Chief program will be hosted by the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce and Johnson Engineering. For the first time ever, the program will be held at the police department, 300 South Berner Road. Not only will you be able to have a relaxed conversation with the Chief getting answers for any questions you have, there will be a tour of the facility to show-off our newly remodeled areas, a hands-on look at our new patrol vehicles, a hands-on look at newly purchased equipment, and we’re even giving out about a dozen coffee mugs. Join us to hear and see how your tax dollars are being spent.
Animal Services

In the month of April 2023, Animal Services reported the intake of 63 cats and 78 dogs.

As Clewiston will soon see the start of kitten season, residents that are replacing bath towels or other linens can donate old ones to the shelter. These donations make our animals’ stay a little more comfortable before they find their way to their forever home! We encourage everyone to stop by and take a look at what your tax dollars are doing – and maybe even find a new face to bring home.

On April 1, 2023, the young ladies pictured here (Aya Goldman (President of the Club), Katherine Shields, and Sarah Wise) from the Wellington High School X-Port Paws Club presented a $500.00 check to the Clewiston Animal Shelter. The money will go toward spay/neuter procedures for a few of our longest residents in hopes they will get a better shot of adoption or rescue. The money was raised simply because they care and they heard about the great things happening at America’s Sweetest Shelter.

If you would like the opportunity to sponsor a dog or a cat to be spayed or neutered, please contact our Animal Services staff at (863) 983-1474.

On April 6-7, 2023, the outdoor kennels got a complete makeover with an epoxy coating. This has created a much healthier environment for the more than 800 dogs that come to our facility each year. The near $4,000.00 in epoxy and supplies were donated to the shelter and all of the labor was performed by police department staff, volunteers, and inmates from the Hendry County Jail. A big thank you to Sheriff Whidden as he continues to be a champion for our cause and all the volunteers that helped.

During the month of April, Clewiston Animal Services was approved for a public shelter account with some of the industry’s leading companies. We are now able to purchase KONG toys from the KONG Cares program at an estimated 90% discount. We are now receiving free collars and leashes through the Max and Neo program. And finally, our community has the ability to purchase shelter beds for our dogs through the Kuranda Shelter Beds program at https://shelterbeds.org/donate/402293. These beds are known for their high quality and durability. Please feel free to share this link – these beds give our dog population (more than 800 per year) a comfortable space during their time with us.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – Do you have a love for animals? Do you have spare time? You could be a perfect fit to be a volunteer at America’s Sweetest Shelter. If you are interested or have any questions about our volunteer opportunities, stop down and visit the shelter at 410 West Arroyo Avenue.

Highlighted Training

On April 4, 2023, officers received classroom and practical training on patrol rifles. The practical training portion included a qualifying course and patrol rifles are now deployed so our officers are better prepared to respond to active assailant situations. Each officer has been issued a Smith and Wesson M&P 15T .556 AR15 in addition to the traditional Mossberg shotgun and Glock 9mm handgun. As we train to respond effectively to the worst of situations, our officers are well trained on communication skills, de-escalation techniques, as well as crisis intervention techniques. We would like to thank Sheriff Steve Whidden, as once again, he opened his gun range for our use in making this training a reality.

During the week of April 17, 2023, Sergeant Scruggs attended the Middle Management course hosted in Fort Myers at the Southwest Florida Public Safety Academy. The Middle Management course focuses on topics to bridge the line supervisor into a command-level role within the agency. This training was grant-funded through the State of Florida – costing the agency nothing for tuition and registration.

During the week of April 24, 2023, Commander Tito Nieves attended the FBI LEEDA 31st Annual Executive Training Conference in Orlando, Florida. Aside from networking with other law enforcement leaders from around the country, the three-day education-based conference focused on crime prevention, defending cyberattacks, officer-involved shootings (to include a presentation on the Pulse Nightclub incident), and management tenets.

On April 28, 2023, in partnership with the high school staff, members of the Clewiston Police Department and the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office participated in active shooter training drills on the Clewiston High School campus. This training is the first in a series as we continue to put student safety at the forefront of our priority list.

General Services Director Williams reports:

The City of Clewiston maintains a “Medically Essential Electric Service List” for customers who are medically dependent on electric-powered equipment. In the event of a scheduled electric service interruption, the City will call, contact or otherwise advise a “medically essential” customer in advance of the power outage. Please email the office at customerservice@clewiston-fl.gov or call us at 983-1454 to learn how to submit an application. There will also be a letter in your upcoming utilities bill that explains the application process.

• Electric Crew Activities:
o replaced three new poles on Seventh Street,
o installed new 500 KVA transformer in industrial park, installed new service
o changed two cutouts and an arrester on Del Monte Avenue,
o installed new primary bushings in a junction box, installed a 500 KVA transformer at and ran a new service to the Dodge Dealership,
o changed connectors on a Virginia Ave residence,
o repaired underground service on Saginaw Avenue,
o repaired underground service on E Trinidad Avenue,
o removed vegetation from feeder line on Sagamore Avenue,
o repaired street lights,
o replaced bad cross-arm on Feeder One,
o installed roof at golf course pump shed,
o assisted sewer department - remove (4) pumps from lift stations,
o repaired cables on poles for banners,
o installed two bird guards on Feeder Four,
o spliced service neutral on W. Ventura Avenue,
o changed connectors on building on Harlem Academy.

• Water Sewer Crew Activities:
o Repaired numerous (12) valve leaks/water line breaks,
o replaced (3) water meters, and water meter boxes,
o repaired lift station PVC pipe, installed new pump and converted power to three phase, pumped down lift stations (5),
o located underground utilities (4),
o monitored data coming from our pilot AMI meters,
o performed Lift Station inspections (50) and degreased (2) stations,
o replaced water filter at Della Tobias Avenue (5) and flushed line,
o flushed hydrants
o assisted street crew repair sidewalks,
o delivered service truck to garage in Ft. Myers for repairs,
o delivered pump to Belle Glade shop for repairs

• 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 program 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 We are evaluating the condition of the CS Mott pool for repairs and maintenance.
o sprinkler repairs: 3
o plumbing repairs: 3
o lighting repairs: 1
o air conditioner repairs: 2
o repaired a door and water heater at Stalls Field, and replaced the kitchen water heater in City Hall.
o assisted the ball field crew stripe the boys’ soccer field for an upcoming Flag Football tournament and checked the score board for both Tiger teams to ensure that they are functioning properly,
o made minor electrical repairs at the Police Department,
o made roof repairs at the City Hall and Library,
o repaired an electrical panel at Sweetest Town Playground,
o repaired a damaged gate at the top of the Hoover Dike,
o made repairs to drains at the Animal Control facility,
o painted the partitions in the outside restrooms at the Youth Center.

• Street Division:
o Linear feet of damaged sidewalks replaced: 182
o Due to the early amounts of heavy rain, our mosquito contractor is surveying the city for problem areas.

• Solid Waste:
o Staff demonstrated the City’s new Solid Waste garbage truck to local grade school students.

• Parks & Recreation:
o The Splash Pad is now open to the public throughout the upcoming 2023 summer!

• Central Garage:
o The City of Clewiston is searching for a qualified CDL driver to collect and load garbage, horticulture, and other material, and a Mechanic 1 to perform necessary repairs and routine maintenance of city vehicles. Please visit our website for more information: https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/

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