Regular City Commission Meeting

CITY OF EAGLE LAKE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026 7: 00 P. M. COMMISSION CHAMBERS 675 E EAGLE AVE EAGLE LAKE, FLORIDA 33839 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Coler called the meeting to order at 7: 02 p.m. H. INVOCATION Vice Mayor Metosh gave the Invocation. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Commission and audience said the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Billings, Williams, Metosh, Pita, Coler ABSENT: None V. AUDIENCE Mayor Coler opened public comment period. Public comment was given as follows: Pamela Chaney, 790 N 8th St. Eagle Lake. Nick Gonzales, 305 Cooley Road, President Eagle Lake Sports Association updated the commission regarding the events at the ballfield: opening season Feb. 7th. He also spoke of repairs and upgrades to field. There was discussion regarding lighting at the ballfield. There being no one else who wished to speak, Mayor Coler closed public comment period. VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS/ PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS A. Staff.Reports Library Director Kristen Barns updated the Commission regarding the library statistics and events in the library. Sgt. Andrews updated the Commission regarding the events that have occurred in the city. B. City Manager Report City Manager Ernharth discussed having a workshop to discuss the Capital Improvement Element. 1 Regular City Commission Meeting January 5, 2026 Page 2 of 6 Manager Ernharth discussed the city receiving$ 1. 4 million from the Federal Government in COVID relief monies. The requirements were discussed including the changes in the timeline at the Federal level that are requiring the city to return the unspent monies. The Commission discussed legal options including appeals; it was discussed that appeals have been exhausted. It was discussed that the City Manager had conversation with Mike Brynjulfson the City' s CPA. There was discussion regarding amending reports submitted but this is not allowed once the reports are certified. It was the consensus of the Commission to send the monies back. MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Pita to authorize the City Manager to transmit$ 516, 078. 06 back to the federal government. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The vote was as follows: AYES: Billings, Williams, Metosh, Pita, Coler NAYS: None Mayor Coler stated he will reach out to the city' s legislators to see if there is any way for them to assist. Manager Ernharth reported the city did receive a permit from DOT that will allow us to install a sign on US 17 for Lake Region High School. He advised the signs to be installed at the old bus stops. Manager Ernharth discussed options regarding the City' s sewer as Bartow is looking to raise rate. Mr. Ernharth stated staff are in discussions with both Bartow and Winter Haven. There was discussion on a smaller scale sewer plant. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Consideration of the request for Rehearing of the first reading of Ordinance No. 0-26- 02, An Ordinance Amending the City of Eagle Lake, Florida 2030 Comprehensive Plan by Revising the Future Land Use Map Series to Assign High Density Residential( HDR) Future Land Use to One( 1) Annexed Parcel; Amending the City of Eagle Lake, Florida Zoning Map to Apply Planned Unit Development- Housing( PD- H) Zoning to the Same Certain Parcel; Repealing all Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; and, Providing an Effective Date. ( General Location: one parcel of land totaling approximately 9. 83 acres in size, lying north of Gilbert Street and east of Hwy 17N with a street address of 2100 Clover Ridge Ct Eagle Lake, Florida 33839) Locale at Winter Haven LLC Property effective upon reading Attorney Maxwell stated the applicant has requested a rehearing to give them an opportunity to present their case to the City Commission. MOTION was made by Commissioner Metosh and seconded by Commissioner Billings to allow rehearing of Ordinance No. 0- 26- 02. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The vote was as follows: 2 Regular City Commission Meeting January 5, 2026 Page 3 of 6 AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 B. Consideration of the second reading of Ordinance No. 0-26- 03, An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eagle Lake, Florida, Correcting a Scrivener' s Error in the Title of a Previously Adopted Ordinance Affecting the City Limits of the City; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. effective upon reading Mayor Coler read Ordinance No. 0- 26- 03 by title only. Manager Ernharth explained ordinance. MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Billings to approve Ordinance No. 0-26- 03. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Billings, Williams, Metosh, Pita, Coler NAYS: None C. Consideration of the second reading of Ordinance No. 0-26- 04, An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eagle Lake, Florida, Correcting a Scrivener' s Error in the Title of a Previously Adopted Ordinance Amending the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Classification of Property Within the City Limits; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. effective upon reading Mayor Coler read Ordinance No. 0-26- 04 by title only. MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Metosh to approve Ordinance No. 0-26- 04. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Billings, Williams, Metosh, Pita, Coler NAYS: None VIII. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration of Resolution No. R-26-03, A Resolution of City of Eagle Lake, Florida, Relating to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program; Making Findings; Authorizing the Loan Application; Authorizing the Loan Agreement; Designating Principal Forgiveness; Designating Authorized Representatives; Providing Assurances; Providing for Conflicts, Severability, and an Effective Date. Mayor Coler read Resolution No. R- 26- 03 by title only. 3 Regular City Commission Meeting January 5, 2026 Page 4 of 6 MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Metosh to approve Resolution No. R- 26- 03. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Billings, Williams, Metosh, Pita, Coler NAYS: None B. Consideration of Resolution No. R-26- 04, A Resolution of City of Eagle Lake, Florida, Relating to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program; Making Findings, Authorizing the Loan Application, Authorizing the Loan Agreement; Designating Principal Forgiveness; Designating Authorized Loan Representatives; Providing Assurances; Providing for Conflicts, Severability, and Effective Date. Mayor Coler read Resolution No. R-26- 04 by title only. MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Pita to approve Resolution No. R-26- 04. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Billings, Williams, Metosh, Pita, Coler NAYS: None X. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of the Regular City Commission Minutes 12/ 01/ 2025 MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Metosh to approve the Regular City Commission Minutes of 12/ 01/ 2025. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The vote was as follows: AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 B. Approval of the Bad Debt List 2288. 35 MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Metosh to approve the Bad Debt List in the amount of$ 632. 95. Mayor Coler asked for audience and commission discussion. Mayor Coler questioned the amount of the Bad Debt. Ms. Ethridge, Customer Service Supervisor, stated the updated amount was$ 632. 95 that funds have been received since the agenda was published. 4 Regular City Commission Meeting January 5, 2026 Page 5 of 6 The vote was as follows: AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 C. Approval of Third Amendment to Agreement between Polk Regional Water Cooperative and City of Eagle Lake, Polk Regional Water Cooperative Heartland Protection and Sustainability Project MOTION was made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Pita to approve the Third Amendment to Agreement between Polk Regional Water Cooperative and City of Eagle Lake, Polk Regional Water Cooperative Heartland Protection and Sustainability Project. Mayor Cofer asked for audience and commission discussion; there was none. The vote was as follows: AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 XI. CITY ATTORNEY Attorney Maxwell updated the Commission regarding the Form 6 Injunction which is pending the final determination from judge. XII. CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Pita stated she would like to see a revision of the employee handbook that would include a layout of how employees get raises. It was the consensus of the Commission to have staff review and update the employee handbook. Commissioner Williams discussed the CRA. There was discussion on the façade grant program and making changes. It was the recommendation of the City Attorney to update the plan by resolution. Commissioner Williams spoke of the accomplishments the city has had over the past year which include: increasing façade grant program, investing city funds to earn more, moving forward on the new city hall at a lower cost, Fall Fest, Christmas Parade, 4th of July, turf at the ballfield, better overflow parking at the church, purchase of 2 homes for the city' s future growth, system upgrades in the Clerk' s Office, and more deputies. Brandon Blackburn 3090 Pollard Road, Winter Haven discussed the CRA, he stated he doesn' t want to step down from his appointed position on the CRA. Attorney Maxwell stated she has spoken with Mr. Blackburn and the staff attorney for the Commission on. Ethics. She will get the ethics opinions compiled and get them distributed to the Commission for review. Commissioner Metosh had no report. Commissioner Billings had no report. 5 Regular City Commission Meeting January 5, 2026 Page 6 of 6 Mayor Coler commented that the Eagle Lake has gone from little city to medium city very rapidly; he stated he believes we are well regarded and represented; City Clerk Wright is the Vice President of the Florida Association of City Clerks and was a District Director prior, City Manager Ernharth served as a District Director with the Florida City and County Managers Association and he has joined the Florida League of Mayors. XIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION was made by Commissioner Metosh and seconded by Commissioner Billings to adjourn at 8: 19 p. m. The vote was as follows: 1111c1 E. A O AYES: 5 A•' G F% ORPOR NAY rn SEAL, ke)\- eQ RIDp'' 1i\ Ctu & N\\\. ATTEST: fili 111ii i* \`` CITY CLERK DAWN` NIGHT z• 6