City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes April 2, 2025 (APPROVED) 4/2/2025 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Nelson 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 pledge of alliegiance. 4. ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Robin Gibson, Keith Thompson, Daniel Williams, Carol Gillespie City Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney 5. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 5.I. Arbor Day Proclamation Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed April 2, 2025 as Arbor Day. Kevin Polk, Horticulturist for the City of Lake Wales, accepted the proclamation. 5.II. Proclamation - Child Abuse Prevention Month Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Representatives from Heartland for Children accepted the proclamation. 6. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Al Goldstein, resident, congratulated Jack Hilligoss on his election and said we need to get more people to vote. Frank Lumm, resident, expressed concern about the traffic issues on SR 60 notably near the Midflorida Credit union where construction is about to begin. Yvette Patillo, resident, shared concerns about the poor quality of her new Charif home on D Street she has not gotten cooperation to get repairs. Mayor Hilligoss asked if this was a Legacy home. Deputy Mayor Gibson said no. Deena Drumgo said that this is a new build and said that we do work with Charif Homes.  Credit union where construction is about to begin. Yvette Patillo, resident, shared concerns about the poor quality of her new Charif home on D Street she has not gotten cooperation to get repairs. Mayor Hilligoss asked if this was a Legacy home. Deputy Mayor Gibson said no. Deena Drumgo said that this is a new build and said that we do work with Charif Homes. 7. CITY CLERK 7.I. Unofficial Final Election Results Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed the Election results. [Begin unofficial election results] TOTAL VOTES % VBM ED PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 2) 2 100.00 REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL 9,702 BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL 2,287 1,067 1,220 BALLOTS CAST · BLANK. 0 0 0 VOTER TURNOUT· TOTAL 23.57 VOTER TURNOUT· BLANK Lake Wales Mayor Seat 1. At Large (VOTE FOR) 1 TOTAL VOTES % VBM ED Curtis Gibson 890 39.04 397 493 Jack Hilligoss 1,390 60.96 663 727 Lake Wales Charter Amendment (VOTE FOR) 1 TOTAL VOTES % VBM ED For/A Favor. 1,570 75.37 768 802 Against/En Contra. 513 24.63 215 298 [End Election results] 8. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Gillespie made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES"  Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 8.I. Minutes - March 18 & 26, 2025 8.II. Annual Pioneer Days Celebration [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of this request will allow the Pioneer Days Celebration to take place on October 25 -26, 2025 in Lake Wailes Park, allow vendors to set up RV’s in the park, allow for alcohol to be served. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the special event permit application for the Annual Pioneer Days Celebration, to be held October 25 -26, 2025 2. Approve the request for alcohol in its designated areas. 3. Approve the request for RV’s and tents to be set up by vendors in Lake Wailes Park throughout the event subject to the conditions specified by staff. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales submitted a Special Event Permit Application for the Annual Pioneer Days celebration to be held from October 25 and 26, 2025 at Lake Wailes Park. Pioneer Days will include the serving and consuming of alcohol within the boundary of the park. This application also includes a request for vendors to set up RV’s and tents in Lake Wailes Park throughout the event. Some vendors would like to stay on site for security reasons and protection of their property. Per Sec. 18-82 q. of the Lake Wales Code, camping is prohibited in a City park unless specifically authorized by special permit. Staff recommends that approval specify the following conditions: • The RV’s will arrive no earlier than 9 a.m. Thursday, October 23, 2025 and must depart no later than 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025 allowing ample time for take down and clean up. • The RV’s, vehicles, and tents will be set up in areas as designated by the City. • No parking of vehicles will be allowed off pavement except in areas approved and designated by the City.  • The RV’s, vehicles, and tents will be set up in areas as designated by the City. • No parking of vehicles will be allowed off pavement except in areas approved and designated by the City. • No vehicles shall be parked or driven within 15 feet of the trunk of any trees within the park. • No vehicles shall drive or park on the bike path or cross the bike path. • Vendors approved to set up inside the “horseshoe drive” across from the basketball courts, shall maintain a 15-foot distance from tree trunks. On Friday, October 24, 2025, vendors and participants will be setting up in Lake Wailes Park beginning at 9:00 a.m. The main event will commence on Saturday, October 25, with the Pioneer Hour at 10:00 a.m. and will continue throughout the day with events and activities until 5:00 p.m. Sunday’s activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will wrap up at 5:00 p.m. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Special Event Permit Application for the Pioneer Days Celebration or the request for the road closures. FISCAL IMPACT In-Kind services for this event provided by the City will be approximately $2016. [End Agenda Memo] 8.III. Special Event Permit: Wine Downtown April 10, 2025 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS This is a request by Main Street to have a wine walk event called Wine Downtown on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The event will include alcohol. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends 1. That the City Commission approve the permit request to allow Main Street to host an event in the downtown on Stuart and Park Avenue and Scenic HWY and First Street to include the serving of alcohol on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. BACKGROUND Lake Wales Main Street is planning to host a wine walk type of event on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This event will allow participants to stroll through downtown with alcohol. Police officers will be present for the event. No streets will be closed. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Special Event Permit. FISCAL IMPACT None. Lake Wales Main Street will cover the cost of off-duty officers. [End Agenda Memo] 9. OLD BUSINESS 9.I. ORDINANCE 2025-02 Chapter 21, Division 3 Industrial Pretreatment Second Reading And Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] 9. OLD BUSINESS 9.I. ORDINANCE 2025-02 Chapter 21, Division 3 Industrial Pretreatment Second Reading And Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff proposes an amendment to Chapter 21, Division 3 Industrial Pretreatment that is intended to satisfy the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Permit Renewal requirement related to industrial pretreatment. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve Ordinance 2025-02 to amend Division 3 Industrial Pre-Treatment sections 21- 57 to 21-70 after 1st reading. BACKGROUND Domestic wastewater, commonly referred to as sanitary wastewater or sewage, is wastewater derived principally from dwellings, business buildings, institutions, and the like. In an effort to protect both surface and ground waters, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”) requires that discharges of both domestic and industrial wastewater be permitted and monitored. Any wastewater facility proposing to discharge wastewater to surface or ground waters or into the distribution system for irrigation, must demonstrate to the FDEP that all required minimum levels of treatment will be provided and that all water quality standards will be met. If this demonstration is made, FDEP will issue a permit to the wastewater facility, which will include conditions for monitoring the discharge, as well as conditions for reporting the monitoring results (Discharge Monitoring Reports). FDEP approved the permit renewal on August 29, 2022, however, one of the conditions of approval was that the City of Lake Wales implement a Code of Ordinance for Industrial Pretreatment. Ordinance 2022-49 established the current pretreatment ordinance. Once FDEP reviewed the submitted document, further conditions were required. Updating Division 3 Industrial Pretreatment of the City’s code of ordinance will add additional stipulations and will satisfy additional requirements pertaining to the wastewater operating permit. Staff recommends the commission approve Ordinance 2025-02, an ordinance of the City of Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida, amending Lake Wales’ code of ordinances Chapter 21 Utilities, Division 3 Section 21-57 to Section 21-70 providing for severability; providing for an effective date. This approval allows for the City to maintain compliance with FDEP for the Wastewater Use Permit. OTHER OPTION None. FDEP requires the implementation of a Code of Ordinance to be in compliance with the Wastewater Use Permit requirements. FISCAL IMPACT No fiscal impact. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2025-02 by title only. ORDINANCE 2025-02 Amending Chapter 21 Utilities AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING LAKE WALES CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21 UTILITIES, DIVISION 3 INDUSTRIAL  ORDINANCE 2025-02 Amending Chapter 21 Utilities AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING LAKE WALES CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 21 UTILITIES, DIVISION 3 INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Thompson made a motion to adopt ORDINANCE 2025-02 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 passed 5-0. 10. NEW BUSINESS 11. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, requested a Shade meeting at the CRA meeting at 2:30pm to discuss Dixie Walesbilt litigation. 12. CITY MANAGER Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, said the property discussed earlier, 119 D Street, was not owned by the CRA. Charif Homes bought the lot and built new construction. They did not receive CRA funding for that house. The CRA has worked with Charif home on other projects. Deputy Mayor Gibson said the warranties are with the manufacturer of the home. Ms. Drumgo confirmed this. She communicated with Darrell Starling to communicate with Charif homes. They responded that this is between her and the warranty company. Deputy Mayor Gibson said we will cooperate in anyway we can but the City doesn't have any responsibility for this other than what we have for other homes. Commissioner Williams said that if we work with them and they are building homes in the CRA then what they are doing. needs to be correct. 12.I. Commission Meeting Calendar 13. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie began by congratulating Mayor Hilligoss on his re-election victory. She then shared her positive experience serving on the canvassing board, emphasizing the rigorous and transparent process used to ensure the validity of the election results. She expressed confidence in the election's legitimacy and her satisfaction with being part of the democratic process.  Commissioner Gillespie began by congratulating Mayor Hilligoss on his re-election victory. She then shared her positive experience serving on the canvassing board, emphasizing the rigorous and transparent process used to ensure the validity of the election results. She expressed confidence in the election's legitimacy and her satisfaction with being part of the democratic process. Next, she commended the proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month and praised the work of Heartland for Children. Drawing from her experience with the Florida Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, she highlighted the importance of keeping children safely within their own homes whenever possible. She acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and stressed the ongoing need for more foster homes to provide safe environments for children in need. Finally, Commissioner Gillespie discussed the recent Olmsted celebration, which she likened to Arbor Day for Lake Wales. She praised the tree planting ceremony and its significance in honoring Frederick Law Olmsted's vision of a green and lush city. She advocated for continued tree planting efforts, both by the city and individual residents, emphasizing the aesthetic beauty and environmental benefits of trees. Commissioner Williams congratulated Mayor Hilligoss on his re-election and expressed his enthusiasm for the State of the City address. He highlighted his excitement about the city's past accomplishments and future plans, and stated his overall positive feelings about being a citizen and commissioner of Lake Wales. Commissioner Thompson also congratulated Mayor Hilligoss on his reelection. He expressed a newfound appreciation for Arbor Day, recognizing its significance in the context of Lake Wales' "city in a garden" vision. He emphasized the historical and unique nature of the city's current development, noting how the vision of the city's founder is finally coming to fruition. He then addressed a citizen's concern about traffic safety near the Mid-Florida Credit Union, where a new branch is being built. He acknowledged the intersection's challenges and urged the police department to implement traffic-slowing measures. Commissioner Thompson then shifted to a discussion of the recent election, emphasizing the concept that "more than one thing can be true at the same time." He acknowledged the negative aspects of PAC involvement, while also recognizing its legality. He expressed strong opposition to PAC money in local elections, viewing it as harmful to local control and city governance. He highlighted the importance of civility in local politics, emphasizing that residents are neighbors and should treat each other with respect. He voiced concerns that the negative nature of the PAC campaigning will discourage future local leaders from running for office. Finally, he expressed hope that a legal strategy can be found to eliminate PACs from local elections. Deputy Mayor Gibson began by congratulating Mayor Hilligoss on his re-election and thanking the electorate for approving the runoff election charter amendment. He then expressed his deep concern about the increasing intrusion of national partisan politics into local elections, drawing parallels to the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election, which he deemed "obnoxious." Deputy Mayor Gibson highlighted the stark contrast between the collaborative spirit seen in Lake Wales' charrettes and the divisive tactics employed during the recent election. He cited a book, "Our Towns," which emphasized the importance of local communities working together, regardless of political affiliations. He lamented the "cutthroat politics" he witnessed in Lake Wales, a departure from the city's usual collaborative nature. He announced his intention to research and propose a code of conduct for local campaigns, similar to those implemented in Miami-Dade and other areas. He rejected the notion that such a code is idealistic, asserting that Lake Wales can choose to conduct its elections with civility and integrity. He concluded by expressing his desire to prevent future instances of divisive campaigning in the city. Commissioner Thompson addressed potential criticism regarding his silence during the election. He explained that he refrained from public commentary, particularly on campaign-related issues, due to his understanding of his duties as a member of the canvassing board. He felt it was his responsibility to avoid any actions or statements that could unduly influence the election results. He acknowledged that some might view this as an excuse, but he maintained that his silence was in line with his perceived ethical obligations. 14. MAYOR COMMENTS  explained that he refrained from public commentary, particularly on campaign-related issues, due to his understanding of his duties as a member of the canvassing board. He felt it was his responsibility to avoid any actions or statements that could unduly influence the election results. He acknowledged that some might view this as an excuse, but he maintained that his silence was in line with his perceived ethical obligations. 14. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss expressed his appreciation for the commissioners' comments and shared their desire for more civility in city elections and governance. He acknowledged that past elections, including his own experiences, have been marred by "cutthroat politics," albeit on a smaller scale than the recent PAC-funded campaigns. He welcomed discussions about implementing a code of conduct to improve civility. He then highlighted the city's positive relationship with Heartland for Children, sharing his church's involvement in their initiatives and encouraging other local churches to engage in foster care and adoption efforts. He emphasized the feasibility of finding 50 new homes for children in need, particularly through church community involvement. Finally, he thanked the commissioners for their congratulations, their service on the canvassing board, and their dedication to the city. He expressed his honor at serving another term as mayor. 15. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk