City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2024 (APPROVED) 8/6/2024 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Stalnaker gave the invocation. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hilligoss called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. after the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. 4. ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Keith Thompson, Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Robin Gibson, Carol Gillespie, Daniel Williams Commission Members Absent: Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney 5. PROCLAMATION - Water Professionals Month Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed August Water Professionals Month. Representatives from the Water Department accepted the proclamation. 6. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Jeanette Smith, resident, asked for help with with getting her electric bill in her name. Becky Wynkoop, resident, spoke about the need for trees to help clean our air as we grow. 7. CONSENT AGENDA James Slaton, City Manager, said that Item 7.VIII Piggyback Authorization Agreement needed to be pulled. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the rest of the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. By voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the rest of the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. By voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 7.I. Minutes - July 16 & 31, 2024 7.II. Approve Master Consulting Agreement #20-471 Task Order #8 With Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. Engineering Services For The Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery. [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: The City Commission will consider approving Task Order #8 to the master consulting agreement #20-471 with Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. for professional services pertaining to the engineering design of the next 5 acre cemetery expansion. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the following action: 1. Approve Master Consulting Agreement #20-471 Task Order #8 with Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. engineering services for the new Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the amount of $192,950.00. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. Background: The Willow Lawn Cemetery, approximately ten (10) acres, is at capacity and the Lake Wales Cemetery, approximately twenty eight (28) acres, contains approximately eleven thousand five hundred sixty one (11,561) burial sites and a Mausoleum. The City purchased approximately fifty (50) acres of land in January 2007 located at Hunt Brothers Road and Lake Bella Road. Since that time, twenty (20) acres of the site was set aside for the creation of the Lake Wales Memorial Gardens cemetery. The first five (5) acres were designed and constructed for use in July 2013, with the site being ready to received internments in 2015. Staff is now proposing to begin the design for the next proposed five (5) acre expansion. The City has asked Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc., who is currently under contract with the city for engineering services, to propose services for the next five (5) acre expansion. Services will consist of engineering and design of phase 2 and assist with bidding, permitting and construction phase services. Fiscal Impact: $250,000 was placed in the FY 23’-24’ Capital Improvements Plan to begin the design for the next five (5) acres associated with the phase 2 expansion. Other Options: The City Commission could chose not to move forward at risk of not being prepared when all remaining burial spaces in phase 1 have been sold. [End Agenda Memo]  design for the next five (5) acres associated with the phase 2 expansion. Other Options: The City Commission could chose not to move forward at risk of not being prepared when all remaining burial spaces in phase 1 have been sold. [End Agenda Memo] 7.III. Library Renovations – Parlier+Crews Architects, P.A. [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Parlier+Crews Architects, P.A. submitted a proposal for full architectural engineering services regarding Design Layout and Documents for remodeling the Main stacks, west end, within the Main Library building. The spaces to be created shall be the Young Adults resource center and two (2) multipurpose rooms with folding partitions. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following actions: 1. Approve the Design Professional Fee Proposal with Parlier + Crews Architect, P.A. for $25,200.00 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND Parlier+Crews Architect, P.A., and Library Interiors of Florida will coordinate the relocation of books and the moving of the shelving units to create the Young Adult center, the multipurpose room, and an additional office/storage space. Currently, the library struggles to find storage space for our supplies. While we make use of closet space to the fullest potential, many of our related supplies are spread throughout the building, because we do not have access to a large central area where we can store everything needed. Due to significant business and residential growth within the city, there has never been more demand for extra space than there is this year. These new, improved multipurpose and Young Adult rooms will provide welcome privacy for discreet work and study. Our singular meeting room is so often booked that the library staff must refuse five or more requests for it a month. With an average of 40-50 library programs per month using the meeting room, public requests are often left without a space to conduct their business. As a library, offering a calm environment for work, research, or relaxation is a crucial goal. While patron numbers are consistently 10,000 – 12,000 range a month, these numbers could increase by offering these proposed new spaces. Currently, our quiet area only consists of sparsely located tables and chairs, in the back of the library. Due to this setup, distractions are bound to occur from other patrons and the general movement of the library. With the addition of new bookable rooms, our patrons would have access to a distraction-free environment to conduct their work, job interviews, or other private study in peace. With an improved Young Adults resource center, teenagers would have their own space to converse and socialize with peers, while still within viewing distance of the youth services staff. FISCAL IMPACT Impact Fees: Sufficient Library Impact Fees for 2023-2024 available to cover the cost. [End Agenda Memo] 7.IV. Approval Of The Polk County Library Cooperative Interlocal Agreement  FISCAL IMPACT Impact Fees: Sufficient Library Impact Fees for 2023-2024 available to cover the cost. [End Agenda Memo] 7.IV. Approval Of The Polk County Library Cooperative Interlocal Agreement [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of the Polk County Library Cooperative Interlocal Agreement The current Interlocal Agreement between the City of Lake Wales, the Polk County Library Cooperative, and the Polk County Board of County Commission expires September 30, 2024. Approval of this Interlocal Agreement will allow the City of Lake Wales to continue to participate in the Polk County Library Cooperative (PCLC). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the Polk County Library Cooperative Interlocal Agreement 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement on the City’s behalf BACKGROUND: This Agreement continues the Polk County Library Cooperative, which was formed on October 1, 1997, through an Interlocal Agreement between the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and the thirteen (13) municipalities with Public Libraries in Polk County: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City, and Winter Haven. Subsequently, the Agreement has been reviewed and renewed to continue the delivery of seamless countywide public library services. Membership in the Cooperative gives a Municipal Library access to hundreds of thousands of resources for their patrons, automatic membership in the Tampa Bay Library Consortium (for continuing education and vendor discounts); delivery between libraries, Books by Mail, Bookmobile, PCLC has two special noncirculating libraries operated by the BOCC, the Justice Stephen H. Grimes Law library and the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library; a State-of-the-art Library Automation System that includes mobile applications, all e-rate forms filed on your behalf, State and Federal Grants, Professional Development, and so much more! The terms of the Agreement will be for ten (10) years beginning on October 1, 2024, and unless otherwise indicated, shall automatically renew for additional ten (10) year terms. OPTIONS: None FISCAL IMPACT: None [End Agenda Memo] 7.V. Lake Wales High School Homecoming Parade 2024 Special Event And Road Closings [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of the special event permit application and the request for street closings will allow the Lake Wales High School Homecoming Parade to be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024.  [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of the special event permit application and the request for street closings will allow the Lake Wales High School Homecoming Parade to be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action: • Approve the special event permit application from Lake Wales High School for the Homecoming Parade to be held Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. • Approve the request for the road closing of First Street from SR60 to Central Avenue, Central Avenue from First Street to Lake Shore Boulevard, and Lake Shore Boulevard from Central Avenue to North Wales Drive at Legion Field, and Orange Avenue and N 5th Street to Sessoms Avenue. BACKGROUND Mr. Anuj Saran, Principal of the Lake Wales High School submitted a special event permit application for the Homecoming Parade to be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 between the hours of 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm. Parade line up begins at 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Polk Avenue Elementary School and on south First Street with the parade starting at 4:00 p.m. The requested temporary street closings will involve the following streets; First Street from State Road 60 north to Central Avenue, east on Central Avenue crossing SR 17 and continuing to Lake Shore Blvd., north on Lake Shore Blvd. to North Wales Drive, Orange Avenue to N 5th Street, N 5th Street to Sessoms Avenue. All Departments have reviewed the application and have approved the event. The Charter Schools have provided the required proof of liability insurance. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the request for the Homecoming Parade and the road closings for the event. FISCAL IMPACT In-kind service from the City is estimated to be $2,108 for FY2024/2025. Lake Wales High School is responsible for 25% of the total cost or approximately $527. [End Agenda Memo] 7.VI. Contract Award – Gill’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider authorizing Gill’s Heating and Cooling, Inc. to install a new HVAC system and remove the current oil-burning heater at the Tourist Club. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action(s): 1. Authorize staff to expend funds in the amount of $29,000.00 for the installation of a new HVAC system and remove the current oil burning heater at the Tourist Club. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The City Commission approved $100,000 in the FY24 budget for repairs to the Tourist Club. To date the bathrooms have been remodeled and brought up to ADA requirements. The main hall and kitchen have had new floors installed, repainted, upgraded  2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The City Commission approved $100,000 in the FY24 budget for repairs to the Tourist Club. To date the bathrooms have been remodeled and brought up to ADA requirements. The main hall and kitchen have had new floors installed, repainted, upgraded blinds & ceiling fans have been installed. After this work was completed, a balance of $30,452.40 is left. In an effort to continue the upgrades at the Tourist Club, a new HVAC system is needed. The Tourist Club has an old oil burning heating system. This system is ineffective and obsolete. The proposal submitted by Gill’s Heating and Cooling, Inc. to install a new HVAC system and remove the old oil burning system is $29,000.00. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve the proposal from Gill’s Heating and Cooling, Inc. for the installation of a new HVAC system and removal of the old oil burning system for $29,000.00, and authorize the City Manager to execute documents related to this purchase on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTIONS The City Commission may choose not to approve this recommendation and continue to use the old inefficient oil burning system. FISCAL IMPACT Gill’s Heating and Cooling, Inc. proposal of $29,000.00 is $1,452.40 less than the balance of the budget appropriation. [End Agenda Memo] 7.VII. Utility Agreement For Valencia Hills Development [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will review and consider entering into a Utilities Agreement with Gardinier Florida Citrus, Inc. for provision of water and wastewater service to the Valencia Hills Development. RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve the Valencia Hills Developer Utility Services Agreement 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement. BACKGROUND Valencia Hills project is located east of Scenic Hwy, west of Tower Rd., north of Masterpiece Rd., south of Lake Mabel Dr. It is a mixed-use planned development project that received Planned Development Project approval with conditions at the April 19, 2022 city commission meeting. A site plan is located in the attached exhibits. Per City Code of Ordinance section 23-765, the developer requested and received approval for an alternate water and sewer impact fee for the mobile home park. The developer submitted capacity queue agreements and paid the 10% capacity fee. The city will provide water capacity fee credits for a one acre +- parcel to build a water storage tank. These credits will be allocated to the Mobile Home lots. OTHER OPTIONS None recommended  submitted capacity queue agreements and paid the 10% capacity fee. The city will provide water capacity fee credits for a one acre +- parcel to build a water storage tank. These credits will be allocated to the Mobile Home lots. OTHER OPTIONS None recommended FISCAL IMPACT None to enter into agreement. Potential for developed parcels to increase property value and tax revenue. [End Agenda Memo] 7.VIII. Piggyback Agreement Authorization – Royal Auction Group, Inc. [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider authorizing entering into a piggyback agreement for auctioneer services for city vehicles and equipment to Royal Auction Group, Inc. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Authorize entering into a piggyback agreement with Royal Auction Group, Inc. to perform auctioneer services. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the city’s behalf associated with this project. BACKGROUND On September 7, 2022 City Commission approved disposing of surplus property including vehicles and equipment. To date this surplus property has not been disposed of. Entering into this agreement will allow city staff to dispose of this surplus vehicles and any future property deemed to be surplus. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, authorize entering into a piggyback agreement with Royal Auction Group, Inc for the performance of auctioneer services, and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents relating to this service on the City’s behalf OTHER OPTIONS Do not authorize entering into the agreement. Have city staff find other ways to dispose of the surplus property. FISCAL IMPACT Proceeds from any sales will be deposited into the general fund. [End Agenda Memo] 7.IX. Vehicle Maintenance Agreement With The Polk County Board Of County Commissioners (BoCC) Fleet Management Division For City Vehicle And Equipment Maintenance Services. [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is recommending the Commission approve the city’s existing maintenance agreement for fleet maintenance with the BoCC for an additional twelve-month period. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the agreement to extend the existing contract for an additional twelve-month period for SYNOPSIS: Staff is recommending the Commission approve the city’s existing maintenance agreement for fleet maintenance with the BoCC for an additional twelve-month period. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the agreement to extend the existing contract for an additional twelve-month period for vehicle and equipment maintenance to BoCC. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND In August of 2009, the City of Lake Wales (COLW) entered into an agreement with the Polk County Board of County Commissioners for fleet maintenance services. Per the agreement, BoCC’s Fleet Management Division provides maintenance services on all City-owned vehicles and equipment at the City’s fleet facility located on Crystal Avenue. The initial term of the agreement was for a twelve-month period with the option to renew annually upon mutual agreement between the City and the BoCC. The agreement has been renewed each consecutive fiscal year since the initial agreement in 2009. Under the terms of the agreement, Polk County Fleet Management (PCFM) provides: • All labor, parts and outsourced services related to routine, breakdown and/or preventative maintenance. Repairs related to accidents and/or abuse are included but are not within PCFM's basic rate structure. • Management of accident and/or abuse related repairs in coordination with COLW management personnel. • Tire maintenance, replacement and/or repairs. • Service and/or breakdown support, 24 hours/day 7 days/week. • Repair and/or maintenance of allied tools, equipment and/or small engine machinery. • Maintenance reporting through the current PCFM automated Fleet Management Information System (FMIS). • Access to and service from all PCFM's network of garage facilities Countywide. • Repair and/or maintenance of COLW owned generators, when requested. • Repairs to shop equipment owned by the COLW if the failed equipment was rendered inoperative due to PCFM. The Polk County Fleet Management Division provides the City with a fixed-rate fee schedule for maintenance services prior to the beginning of each fiscal year. These fees are based on historical equipment repair costs incurred by Polk County Fleet Management throughout the previous year. Prior to the agreement with Polk County Fleet Management, the City operated its own Fleet Maintenance Department. A five-year summary of the City’s total fleet maintenance costs are outlined below: Fiscal Year Actual (Pre-County Contract 2004-2009) Fiscal Year Actual (Pre-County Contract 04- 09) Salaries M&R Vehicles Operating Supplies Vehicles M&R Vehicles Refurbishment Fleet Operating Budget Total 5-Year Average 126,744 153,571 33,928 3,808 49,778 367,829 Fiscal Year Actual (Post- County Contract 2016-2021) Fiscal Year Actual (Post-County Contract 18- 23) Salaries M&R Fleet Contract Operating Supplies Vehicles/M& R Fleet Non Contract (budget) M&R Vehicles Refurbishment Fleet Operating Budget  5-Year Average 126,744 153,571 33,928 3,808 49,778 367,829 Fiscal Year Actual (Post- County Contract 2016-2021) Fiscal Year Actual (Post-County Contract 18- 23) Salaries M&R Fleet Contract Operating Supplies Vehicles/M& R Fleet Non Contract (budget) M&R Vehicles Refurbishment Fleet Operating Budget Total 2019/2020 N/A 249,641 22,300 0 25,827 297,768 2020/2021 N/A 218,519 22,300 0 20,970 261,789 2021/2022 N/A 293,031 22,300 0 24,837 340,168 2022-2023 N/A 279,660 22,300 0 26,702 328,662 2023-2024 N/A 366,565 22,300 0 28,516 407,381 5-Year Average N/A 281,483 22,300 0 25,371 329,154 OTHER OPTIONS The City Commission may choose not to enter into this agreement and 1) direct staff to develop a request for proposal for fleet maintenance services or 2) direct staff to assume the responsibility of our own fleet maintenance services. FISCAL IMPACT The annual maintenance fee for FY 24/25 is $366,355. This fee is an increase of $9,790. from FY 23/24. [End Agenda Memo] 8. OLD BUSINESS 8.I. ORDINANCE 2024-17 Petition To Amend The Ridgecrest Community Development District (CDD) – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Ordinance 2024-17 proposes the establishment of the Ridgecrest Community Development District (hereinafter referred to as the “CDD”), as petitioned by Ridgecrest of Lake Wales, LLC. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption after second reading of Ordinance 2024-17 following a public hearing. Ordinance 2024-17 was approved by City Commission at first reading on July 16, 2024, following a public hearing. Public Hearing notice requirements have been met. A recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Board is not required for the establishment of a CDD. BACKGROUND Ridgecrest is a 312.7-acre unimproved site south of Russell Avenue, west of 1st Street South, north of Hunt Brothers Road, and east of US Highway 27. The property has development approval from the City for a 1,020-unit single-family Planned Development Project (PDP). The development is currently in Site Development Permit review. The applicant originally petitioned for the establishment of a CDD in 2022 and was scheduled for hearings; however, the project was then temporarily put on hold by the applicant. In May of 2024, the applicant re-submitted the petition to establish the CDD as an “Amended and Restated Petition”. The boundary of the District is the same; changes to the original petition include the cost estimate, the construction timeline, and the name of the land owner. The applicant originally petitioned for the establishment of a CDD in 2022 and was scheduled for hearings; however, the project was then temporarily put on hold by the applicant. In May of 2024, the applicant re-submitted the petition to establish the CDD as an “Amended and Restated Petition”. The boundary of the District is the same; changes to the original petition include the cost estimate, the construction timeline, and the name of the land owner. Staff reviewed the submittal for consistency with the “Uniform Community Development Act of 1980”, Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, which sets forth the exclusive and uniform method for establishing a community development district for the land area for which the CDD would manage and finance the delivery of basic services. The proposed petition meets the requirements of Chapter 190. The proposed Infrastructure Plan is listed below: District Infrastructure Construction Ownership Capital Financing Operation and Maintenance Offsite Improvements CDD FDOT & City (Roadways) City (Utilities) District Bonds FDOT & City (Roadways) City (Utilities) Stormwater Facilities CDD CDD District Bonds CDD Water, Sewer, Lift Stations CDD City District Bonds City Street Lighting / Conduit CDD CDD & Duke Energy District Bonds CDD & Duke Energy Roadways & Parking Areas CDD CDD District Bonds CDD Entry Feature & Signage CDD CDD District Bonds CDD Parks & Recreational Facilities CDD CDD District Bonds CDD OTHER OPTIONS Decline request to establish Ridgecrest CDD. FISCAL IMPACT Once the roads, water, and wastewater improvements are constructed at the developer’s expense, these facilities will be subsequently dedicated to the City for operation and maintenance and will create a long-term fiscal impact. The utility system is valued at approximately $10,404,000. Based on an average monthly utility bill of $70.00 per single-family home within city limits, the City may collect over $856,000 in utility bill fees annually within the Ridgecrest development. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2024-17 by title only. ORDINANCE 2024-17 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA ESTABLISHING THE RIDGECREST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES (2023); PROVIDING A TITLE; PROVIDING FINDINGS; CREATING AND NAMING THE DISTRICT; DESCRIBING THE EXTERNAL BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT;  ORDINANCE 2024-17 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA ESTABLISHING THE RIDGECREST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES (2023); PROVIDING A TITLE; PROVIDING FINDINGS; CREATING AND NAMING THE DISTRICT; DESCRIBING THE EXTERNAL BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT; DESCRIBING THE FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE DISTRICT; DESIGNATING FIVE PERSONS TO SERVE AS THE INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF SUPERVISORS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Charlene Bennett, Resident, shared concerns about CDDS, the related costs and the financial risk to the City. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Gillespie said some of the concerns about CDD are true. Its a way to pass costs to eventual homeowners. Many homeowners don't know what they are getting into when they buy in a CDD. They are widely accepted though and we probably can't stop them. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to adopt ORDINANCE 2024-17 after 2nd Reading and Public Hearing. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 9. NEW BUSINESS 10. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, reported on a recent conference he attended and shared some changes passed in the recent legislative session. These were discussed. 11. CITY MANAGER James Slaton, City Manager, said that there will be an open house on the Northwest Sidewalk project on August 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the B Street Community Center. Then there will be a ground breaking ceremony on the 23rd at 9:00 a.m. Construction will begin on the 26th. 11.I. Commission Meeting Calendar James Slaton, City Manager, said there will be a CRA meeting Tuesday and a work session  August 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the B Street Community Center. Then there will be a ground breaking ceremony on the 23rd at 9:00 a.m. Construction will begin on the 26th. 11.I. Commission Meeting Calendar James Slaton, City Manager, said there will be a CRA meeting Tuesday and a work session Wednesday. 12. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie shared challenges faced by CDDs including finding good board members. She said she doesn't see how to stop these. Commissioner Williams commended staff for their hard work. He shared a positive report about Code Compliance staff. Commissioner Thompson said that he had reservations about the role of government in overseeing Community Development Districts (CDDs). He said that while CDDs may offer benefits, they also carry risks for property owners. He emphasized the importance of individual responsibility and due diligence when considering involvement in such districts. Commissioner Thompson commended the city manager for his cautious approach to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative initiative. He highlighted the city's strong position on water supply due to the manager's decision to delay participation, allowing for further investigation into alternative water sources. Commissioner Thompson expressed gratitude for the city manager's leadership and resilience in facing criticism for this decision. Deputy Mayor Gibson said he was optimistic about Lake Wales' future, particularly its redevelopment. He highlighted significant progress made in the CRA district and the potential for future growth and development. He said that the City is poised to invest approximately $50 million in the CRA district through the upcoming budget and potential grant funding. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of public art in enhancing the city's quality of life and cultural identity. He expressed concern over the current budget allocation for public art and advocated for increased funding to include the west side of Highway 27. He said he is anticipating potential legal challenges from the county. Deputy Mayor Gibson discussed the potential expansion of the CRA district. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the collaborative nature of the CRA recommended that this be reflected in the capital improvement plan. Deputy Mayor Gibson said that the city should focus on strategies to maintain a competitive edge over surrounding areas, including infill development, impact fees, and streamlined permitting processes. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed support for the Lake Alta project, believing the city can enhance the original proposal. Deputy Mayor Gibson said that we can have a thriving Lake Wales with a strong emphasis on redevelopment, public art, and economic growth. He called for careful planning and strategic investments to realize this vision. 13. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss thanked the City Manager for his help in meeting with business leaders recently. 14. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 7:07 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk