Office of the City Manager:

Letter from the city manager

Citizens, business owners & other interested parties:

      The Florida Legislature has begun preparations for their 2022 session in Tallahassee. Each year, the legislature provides municipalities and counties the opportunity to file requests for funding support for projects of major local interest. In September, 2021, the legislative delegation consisting of Senator Kathleen Passidomo and House of Representatives member Lauren Melo, who represent Hendry County in the Florida Legislature, held a hearing in LaBelle seeking advance notice of the potential requests from local governments and other area stakeholders and interest groups for the upcoming session. As has been the case since 2019, Hendry County and the Cities of LaBelle and Clewiston have participated in these meetings annually and collectively visited the legislative leadership in Tallahassee during session to seek support for designated priorities. To the greatest extent possible, local government representatives have been supportive of peer requests during the period as well.

      This effort has proven quite successful with funding requests jointly supported by Hendry County and Clewiston receiving substantial funding for infrastructure projects including most notably a) partial funding for the construction of a wastewater forcemain project to serve the Airglades International Airport (AIA) project and the U.S. 27 highway corridor between the airport and the existing Clewiston Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP); and b) complete funding of the soon to be constructed C-21 elevated bridge project to the recently renovated Herbert Hoover Dike in Clewiston. These two projects alone have already been approved for almost $11 million during the period since 2019.

      For 2022, Hendry County has submitted a legislative request for an additional $1.8 million to fully fund the wastewater forcemain project elements to extend City wastewater collection system service availability along the U.S. 27 highway corridor and connecting to the AIA project. Through unanimous action of the City Commission, the City of Clewiston has again endorsed the County’s funding request.

      With the City Commission’s endorsement and Hendry County’s previous expressions of support, the City of Clewiston has submitted its own legislative request to complete the AIA project wastewater improvements funding needs in the amount of $13.5 million for the comprehensive modernization and treatment capacity expansion improvements necessary at the City’s existing Wastewater Treatment Plant. The city commission, with the county’s endorsement of support, has authorized submission of a separate request that is also essential to the adequate provision of public utilities to the highway corridor and AIA project development which requires constructing water distribution system improvements along the route and connecting to the airport site existing county owned water storage tank in the amount of $4.0 million. Lastly, the Commission authorized a City of Clewiston funding request of $0.5 million to complete a proposed North Francisco Street Transportation Safety & Tourism Enhancement Improvements project in the vicinity that provides direct access to the lakefront area consistent with recommendations identified in the FDOT U.S. 27 Highway Corridor Vision Plan completed earlier this year.

      As the legislative session progresses, I will keep all informed of how it works out. I realize this is an optimistic ask in terms of full funding, but the City has taken the position to be “bold” this year in its requests in an effort to represent the best interests of the public health, safety and welfare of the entire Clewiston community.

      In closing, I thank each of you for your continued support and interest in the City of Clewiston.

Randy Martin
City Manager

Staff Reports

Community Development Director Travis Reese reports:

• Jimmy Pittman has begun construction on a new industrial building located on Obispo next door to Lyon’s Printing.

• New office building permit has been issued on Sagamore Avenue next to Nationwide Insurance.

• Clewiston Fire Department was proud to be a part of this year’s Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 30.

• Verizon Wireless has expanded their infrastructure into Clewiston by adding broadcasting equipment to the Century Link tower on Ventura.

Public Utilities Director Danny Williams (also responsible for Public Works) reports:

• Parks Department activities:

• The ballfields staff is getting a handle on improving athletic field playing conditions under new supervision and staffing. Currently, staff are focused on ensuring the fields are ready for the high school soccer season until they are able to move to Cane Field.

• Street Division activities:

• Staff have been making their rounds with the small mower at our small parks to keep them in good shape while the large mower has been keeping all of our large green areas mowed.
• Staff have been doing landscape trimming in our parks and on our streets to get them back in order.
• Staff have been spraying roundup in different areas to combat fast growing weeds due to all of the rain that the area has been getting over the last few months.
• Staff have been string trimming areas with heavy weed concentrations throughout town.
• Staff continues to keep the pot holes filled as the pot hole issue continues due to all of the rain. This includes sections of East Ventura Avenue which will be paved in the coming weeks with the contractor expected to mobilize and begin preparations very soon.

• Facility maintenance:

• Work continues on the youth center remodel. Staff is installing dry wall and getting quotes for lighting. The flooring contractor has begun preparing the floor for the new flooring. Another contractor is installing gutters to ensure that rain run-off stays out of the building.
• The fire extinguisher company has been making its yearly rounds servicing the city’s buildings and equipment.
• Staff has been addressing some electrical issues with the breaker box at the Sikes Park building.
• Staff repaired GFI outlets on Bond Street to get ready for the Market on Bond events.
• The new garage two post lift has been installed and the facility crew completed the electrical wiring.
• Repaired the roof leak at the fertilizer storage shed at the golf course.
• Repaired lighting needs at golf course buildings.
• Four city building air conditioning repairs were made.
• The John Boy Auditorium is staying booked regularly and staff is making sure that any repairs are taken care of as needed. The building is cleaned and sanitized after each and every use. A complete floor strip and wax is scheduled this month.

• Solid waste:

• Staff has been working their routes and completing them as promptly as possible due to equipment failures that created delays in past weeks.
• Staff is picking up debris piles as quickly as they can with one grab loader in operation. The backhoe and dump truck are being used to help as often as possible.

• The Recreation Department had its annual Fall Festival and all that attended seemed to enjoy themselves.

• Staff helped the Police Department set up and take down for their annual Trunk or Treat event at Sweetest Town Playground.

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 (www.clewiston-fl.gov). 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 7:45 a.m to 5:30 p.m. The first tee time is 8 a.m. Tee times are required. The Golf Shop contact number is 863-983-1448.

• Golf carts have to be in at 7 p.m.

• Clewiston Golf Course has a driving range. The driving range has lights which means you can hit golf balls after hours (night time). 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. To schedule, contact the golf shop at 863-983-1448.

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

Code Enforcement Officer Debbie Clay reports:

The importance of house numbers

When responding to an emergency, minutes matter. House numbers are not only convenient for finding addresses but necessary for emergency responders to locate those in need. So, be sure that fire, ambulance, and police personnel can easily and quickly find your address.

Clewiston Code of Ordinances requires the following:

ARTICLE VII. - NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS

Sec. 18-422. - Duty to obtain and display numbers.

(a)Whenever any building or structure, residential or commercial, shall be erected or located in the city, it shall be the duty of the owner, or the contractor, on behalf of the owner, to procure the correct number designated to such building or structure, and to affix such number in the same manner provided in subsection (b) of this section. A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued by the city building official until such number is affixed as provided by this section.

(b)The owner or occupant of any building or structure, residential or commercial, designated a number shall affix such number in a conspicuous place above, on or at the side of said building or structure, or to a permanent fixture located in the front yard of the property on which the building or structure is located. Whenever any building or structure is situated more than 50 feet from the street line, such number shall be affixed to a permanent fixture located near the front walk, driveway, or common entrance to such building or structure.

(c)The owner or manager of every mobile home park in the city shall cause each lot in the mobile home park to be numbered in accordance with the directions of the city manager and, further, to affix such number in the manner provided in this section.

(d)The number required to be affixed as provided in this section shall be not less than four inches in height in residential districts and six inches in height in all other districts, shall be of a color that contrasts with the color of the part of the building or structure or other fixture to which such number is affixed, and shall be located in a position to be easily discernible from the street fronting the building, structure or mobile home lot. Once the number is affixed as provided herein, it shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of any building or structure, and the duty of every mobile home park owner or manager, to replace such number if the same is removed therefrom for any reason.

(Code 1960, § 6-20; Code 1982, § 6-212; Code 1999, § 18-712; Ord. No. 78-3, § 1, 3-6-1978; Ord. No. 86-5, § 1, 7-14-1986)

Code Enforcement personnel will begin focused enforcement in November 2021 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 the office at 863-983-1454 extension 309 or email Code Compliance Supervisor Debbie Clay at debbie.mcneil@clewiston-fl.gov

Library Director Natasha Hayes reports:

• COVID-19 continuation:

• Operating Hours - Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CLOSED on Saturdays and Sundays.
• The library continues to follow all CDC guidelines such as social distancing and recommending face masks to be worn while in the library, but are not required. If you have any questions, please call the library at 863-983-1493. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

• Library staff provided ready reference assistance, circulation activities, computer assistance and programming, such as Crafternoon and Take and Make It that was held on Oct. 6, and another program titled, “Nailed It” on Oct. 13.

• Virtual programs have continued for all patrons. Programs vary monthly so be sure to check out our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/clewistonpubliclibrary/) to remain up to date on upcoming activities.

• The Adult Book Club met on Oct. 25 to discuss The Last Thing He Told Me written by Laura Dave. Come join the fun at the next TWO meetings on Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. to discuss the newest book club title, The Nickel Boys written by Colson Whitehead. With lively discussions, this group truly enjoys their meetings as they exchange their thoughts about each new title.

• Upcoming events for the month of November are: Nailed It on Nov. 3, at 3:45 p.m., Crafternoon on Nov. 10, at 3:45 p.m., Anime & Manga Club will be held on Nov. 15, at 3:45 p.m., and Lego Club will held on Nov. 18 at 3:45 p.m. All materials needed will be provided by the library.

• Do you want to know more about Medicare? The Clewiston Public Library invites you to join SHINE for their virtual presentations. You won’t want to miss it! You must select and register for each session listed below:

• Medicare 101 – Nov. 3, at noon. Register in advance for this webinar: us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_EgrbNItATK28bxNhOwwqOw
• Medicare Open Enrollment – Nov. 12, at noon. Register in advance for this webinar: us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_zpFu6awcSuSIiYCLj-rp9g
• Medicare Part C – Nov. 17, at noon. Register in advance for this webinar: us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_MVpqOnfaRwSUll2cTONPzQ
• Medicare Part D – Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. Register in advance for this webinar: us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_mXa4Or1iRiKfhk7iiiMKjg

• Comic books are still available to take and enjoy. The free comic book giveaways were provided by The Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc.

• Did you know you can earn an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate through Hendry County Libraries? To learn more about the program, including how to enroll and available scholarship opportunities, visit www.hendrylibraries.org or call the Clewiston Public Library at 863-9831493.

• Need 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). A wifi card is available for only $15 and laptops as low as $75. 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 the library Facebook page (www.facebook.com/clewistonpubliclibrary/) in order to remain up to date on the library’s events and programs.

Interim Police Chief Tom Lewis reports:

Police Department

• After two police officer statues were donated from Bayshore Concrete in Fort Myers, on Oct. 9 and 16, Mrs. Tammra Harn and the Clewiston High School art class brought them to life by painting and sealing them. Now, the front of the building will always be a reminder of our partnership with the youth of this community. We couldn’t be more grateful.

Animal Control

• In the month of September, Animal Control reported the intake of 67 cats and 55 dogs. There were a total of 37 animal-related calls-for-service in the month of August (26 outside the city limits).

• On Oct. 25, we had a new Animal Control Officer start with us. William Jones comes to us with 10 years of experience in the animal control world. Please join us in welcoming him to the community.

• Animal Control will soon be open seven days per week! We are changing the schedule to ensure that we have employees at the shelter every day, not only to care for the animals, but to increase the public’s access to be reunited with the pets or to come by and adopt. We encourage everyone to visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClewistonAnimalControl, where you can see the latest news and pictures of our four-legged friends.

Highlighted training

• On Sept. 28, members of the State Attorney’s Office provided our officers with a second legal updates course. Hosted at the police department, the training was provided free of cost. A huge thank you to our partners at the State Attorney’s Office for a great working relationship.

• On Oct. 22, counselors from Abuse, Counseling, and Treatment, Inc. (ACT) provided a three-hour training course at the department on topics such as domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking.

Other news

• On Oct. 12, Interim Chief Lewis attended a Security Roundtable with US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden.

• On Oct. 23, our officers assisted the hospital’s Pink Warrior Walk by providing traffic safety. During the month of October, our officers wear pink badges to support this important cause. It was very moving to meet the survivors that took part in the event.

• Our Trunk or Treat event was a great success. The event was held at the Sweetest Town Playground, located at 211 W. Osceola Avenue, on Saturday, Oct. 30. We want to thank everyone in the community that participated in making this a great time for the kids.

• We would also like to give a quick shout out to Reserve Officer Brea Rojas for all of the hard work in putting it together!

Utilities Director Danny Williams reports:

• Electric crew activities:

• Repaired street lights;
• repaired underground conductor at trailer park;
• installed junction boxes and primary boots for local automobile dealership;
• set new pole at Clewiston Adult School;
• located underground utilities;
• restored service at Royal Palm Avenue address;
• performed miscellaneous reconnect/disconnect jobs.

• Water sewer crew activities:

• Replaced three lift station pumps;
• performed repairs at four collection system lift stations;
• replaced “heater” on lift station control panel;
• installed new water meter;
• relocated water meter;
• repaired five water line breaks;
• repaired damage to asphalt from water leak.

• 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