City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes June 3, 2025 (APPROVED) 6/3/2025 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Mackay Smith 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 allegiance. 4. ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Robin Gibson, Keith Thompson, Daniel Williams, Carol Gillespie Staff Members Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney 5. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 6. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Becky Wynkoop, resident, spoke about variances and the need for Grant road to be extended. Janeen Montgomery, resident, expressed concerns about the Polk Regional Water Cooperative, cost over runs and increasing costs of water. David Jones, resident, spoke against the decision to not issue a Pride Proclamation. Leyna Stemle, non-resident, spoke against the StoneRidge development. Dr. Triantafilos Iakovidis, non-resident, spoke about his concerns about development. Cassandra Richards, non-resident, asked for more diversity of restaurants in Lake Wales and expressed concern about traffic on HWY 60 at Buck Moore Road. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by voice vote: 7. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 7.I. Minutes - May 20 & 28, 2025 7.II. Agreement For Professional Services Provided By Autumn Cochella [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider entering into an agreement with Autumn Cochella for planning-related services within the Growth Management Department. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the twelve (12) - month agreement. 2. Authorize the expenditure of $96,000. 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND Currently, the City has a professional services agreement with Autumn Cochella for planning related services within the Growth Management Department. Mrs. Cochella will continue to perform the key functions of the department director until a new director is appointed. She may continue on afterward as a planning consultant for a period of up to twelve months as desired. The contract amount shall be in an amount not to exceed $96,000 to be paid in equal quarterly installments. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Agreement for Professional Services provided by Autumn Cochella. FISCAL IMPACT The total amount is for $96,000. [End Agenda Memo] 7.III. Disposal Of Surplus Property [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is seeking approval to dispose of surplus inventory RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action(s):  [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is seeking approval to dispose of surplus inventory RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action(s): 1. Classify the property as surplus. 2. Authorize staff to dispose of the property. BACKGROUND In accordance with Sec. 2-476 of the City Code, the City Commission may classify as surplus any property that is obsolete or the continued use of which is uneconomical or inefficient or which serves no useful function or purpose. The equipment outlined in the attached Disposal Schedule no longer serves any useful purpose to City. The items to dispose of include 750 auditorium style seats. These seats were purchased in 2007 through a State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs grant. The original intent for these chairs was for them to be installed in the 1919 building. The City has since sold the building to the Lake Wales Charter Schools and the building is being renovated. This property may be sold at public auction or to the highest bidder after the solicitation of sealed bids. In some cases the property may be recycled, donated to other non-profit or government entities or traded for fair market exchange of goods or services. The City of Lake Wales is choosing to donate these chairs to the Lake Wales Charter School System. OTHER OPTIONS Do not authorize the disposal of the property. FISCAL IMPACT None [End Agenda Memo] 7.IV. Special Event Permit For Lake Wales Woman’s Club Plant And Garden Festival [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Lake Wales Woman’s Club has submitted Special Event application to host a Plant and Garden Festival event on October 18-19, 2025 at their building. They request closure of a portion of Cypress Garden Lane and Park Avenue from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on October 18 and from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on October 19, 2025. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the application and the request to close a portion of Cypress Garden Lane and Park Avenue. BACKGROUND The Lake Wales Woman’s Club organization wants to host a Plant and Garden Festival at their building on Park Avenue. This event will include closure of Cypress Garden Lane, between the entrances to the parking area, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Saturday October 18 and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Sunday October 19, 2024. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the application. FISCAL IMPACT Sponsor will reimburse the city 25% of its costs. [End Agenda Memo]  FISCAL IMPACT Sponsor will reimburse the city 25% of its costs. [End Agenda Memo] 7.V. Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery - Hazard Mitigation Grant For City Hall Generator Agreement Approval [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Florida Commerce has awarded the city a Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) to pay the Local Share of the FEMA grant to pay for the city hall generator. City Commission needs to review and approve the agreement. BACKGROUND: The FEMA HMGP application for $153,273, was submitted December 2023. The city was notified in June 2024, that we received approval from FEMA for the following amounts: Federal Share: 109,481.25 Local Share: 43.791.75 – CDBG-DR Grant SRMC: 7,280.00 -Sub-Recipient Management Cost Total Funding: 160,553.00 FISCAL IMPACT If the bids for a generator are within the total funding amount, the impacts would be staff and consultant time. RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Mayor to execute the Florida Commerce HMGMP Agreement. [End Agenda Memo] 8. OLD BUSINESS 8.I. ORDINANCE 2025-06, Amending Ordinance 2025-01, Relating To Republic Services Solid Waste Franchise Contract – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS Amendment of Ordinance 2025-01, five-year contract for solid waste services with Republic Services of Florida, Limited Partnership. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission approve Ordinance 2025- 06, amending the five-year contract with Republic Services. BACKGROUND In early 2025, solid waste services relating to bulk and yard waste removal was changed from every week to every other week to try to keep costs down. After feedback from the citizens, bulk and yard waste removal will be moved back to weekly service. This service change would be effective on July 1, 2025. Section 1(a) bulk pickup and Section 2(a) yard waste pickup. OTHER OPTIONS N/A FISCAL IMPACT The additional cost increase for bulk and yard waste to be picked up every week, compared to every other week, is $2.07 per month, or $24.84 annual. [Begin Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2025-06 by title only.  [Begin Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2025-06 by title only. ORDINANCE 2025-06 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, FLORIDA (“CITY CODE”); AMENDING CHAPTER 17, CITY CODE; GRANTING A FRANCHISE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL SERVICES WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FINDINGS, DEFINITIONS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO THE GRANT OF THE FRANCHISE; SETTING RATES; REPEALING ORDINANCES 2011-09, 2018-02, 2024-21 AND 2025-01; PROVIDING FOR A BUSINESS IMPACT ESTIMATE, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Thompson made a motion to adopt ORDINANCE 2025-06 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. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. ORDINANCE 2025-14 Annexation Of .25 Acres At Capps Road And Lake Wales Country Club/Oakwood 1st Reading And Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Ordinance 2025-14 proposes the annexation of approximately .25 acres of land located west of Capps Road, and adjacent to the Lake Wales Country Club and Oakwood Community. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of City Commission for the annexation of .25+/- acres of land. BACKGROUND The subject property is located west of Capps Road and is contiguous to the city limits. In September of 2021, the owner, FLLWCC, petitioned for annexation into the corporate city limits. The purpose of the annexation petition was to allow for the future of .25+/- acres of land. BACKGROUND The subject property is located west of Capps Road and is contiguous to the city limits. In September of 2021, the owner, FLLWCC, petitioned for annexation into the corporate city limits. The purpose of the annexation petition was to allow for the future annexation of Hickory Ridge, a residential subdivision at the corner of Capps Road and SR 60, which signed an annexation agreement in August of 2021 in exchange for City water. As the project nears final plat, it is in the City’s best interest to act on the annexation agreement now, before the lots are officially platted and recorded in the County. No development plans for the .25 acres of land are contemplated. Once this property is annexed, the City will pursue annexation of the Hickory Ridge neighborhood. FISCAL IMPACT Annexation of this piece of land would allow for the annexation of the residential subdivision to the south, named Hickory Ridge and designed and approved in the County [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek. City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2025-14 by title only. ORDINANCE 2025-14 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, FLORIDA PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY .25+/- ACRES OF LAND EAST OF CAPPS ROAD AND CONTIGUOUS TO THE INCORPORATED TERRITORY OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, AS SHOWN ON ATTACHMENT “A” AND SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED HEREIN; GIVING THE CITY OF LAKE WALES JURISDICTION OVER THE LAND ANNEXED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Deputy Mayor Gibson asked if this piece of property is planned to have septic tanks. James Slaton, City Manager, said not this parcel but the neighborhood next to it developed in the county will have septic tanks. That will come later. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed his principled opposition to septic tanks in development, stating that they contribute to urban sprawl due to the larger lot sizes required for sanitary reasons. He indicated that if the current annexation proposal would lead to the use of septic tanks, he would vote against it. He recalled a previous discussion where he thought this particular annexation would involve septic tanks. He said he won’t vote against this, but developments with septic tanks he will vote against. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve ORDINANCE 2025-14 after 1st reading and Public Hearing. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Williams "YES"  Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve ORDINANCE 2025-14 after 1st reading and Public Hearing. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 9.II. RESOLUTION 2025-06 – Resolution To Utilize The Uniform Method Of Collecting Non- Ad Valorem Assessments And Adopting The Special Assessment Roll. Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Resolution 2025-06 declares the City’s intent to utilize the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments and adopts the assessment roll for 2024. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2025-06 after a public hearing, as required by Florida Statutes. Public notice requirements have been met. BACKGROUND In February 2013, City commission adopted Ordinance 2013-04 – Abatement and Violation Assessment (Chapter 17.5), providing for the uniform method of collecting non- ad valorem special assessment for service liens. The City’s intent is to collect service liens that are the result from services provided by the City to clean properties, repair or demolish buildings and the like, such services being a special benefit to the property owner. This does not include fines or administrative liens. Ordinance 2013-04 established the City of Lake Wales in its entirety, as its city boundaries exist on the date of enactment and as they may be expanded or contracted from time to time as the special assessment district for the purposes of abatement and violation correction. The resolution has been noticed per Florida Statute at least twenty (20) days in advance of the public hearing. Staff published a potential list of properties in the notice and provided by first class mail a letter to every property owner that may be affected by this action. OTHER OPTIONS Decline the adoption of Resolution 2025-06 FISCAL IMPACT This will provide for reimbursement of funds expended in the course of abating and correcting violations of the municipal code. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2025-06 by title only. RESOLUTION 2025-06  Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2025-06 by title only. RESOLUTION 2025-06 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING TO UTILIZE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS; ADOPTING THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR ABATEMENT OF CODE VIOLATIONS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Thompson made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2025-06 after a 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. 9.III. RESOLUTION 2025-10 Amendment For Extension, Public Transportation Grant Agreement G2J27 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider approving Resolution 2025-10, authorizing an amendment for extension of Public Transportation Grant Agreement G2J27 with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve Resolution 2025-10, authorizing the extension of Public Transportation Grant Agreement G2J27 by the Mayor with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) until October 31, 2025. BACKGROUND The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded a 100% grant in the amount of $80,000 to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for security fencing upgrades. This agreement was set to expire on June 30, 2025. This amendment will extend the expiration date to October 31, 2025 since construction will not be complete until July of 2025. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the extension of this agreement FISCAL IMPACT This project is fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).  OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the extension of this agreement FISCAL IMPACT This project is fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2025-10 by title only. RESOLUTION 2025-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT FOR EXTENSION OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANT AGREEMENT FOR ITEM-SEGMENT-PHASE SEQUENCE NUMBER (FINANCIAL PROJECT NUMBER): 452975-1-94-01 (AIRFIELD SECURITY FENCING AND ACCESS CONTROL) WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION DATE OF AN AVIATION PROJECT AT THE LAKE WALES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. Commissioner Gillespie made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2025-10. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 9.IV. Resolution 2025-11 / Preliminary Rate Resolution For Fire Protection Services Assessments [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Preliminary Rate Resolution for Fire Protection Services Assessment. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission adopt Resolution 2025-11 providing the Preliminary Rate Resolution for Fire Protection Services Assessment for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. BACKGROUND It is recommended that the City Commission set the Preliminary Fire Protection Services Assessment rate and adopt Preliminary Fire Protection Service Assessment Resolution 2024-12 providing for Fire Protection Services Assessments for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024. Staff is recommending the following rate scenario: Initial Fire Protection Assessment Rates Residential Property Use Categories Rate Per Dwelling Unit year beginning October 1, 2024. Staff is recommending the following rate scenario: Initial Fire Protection Assessment Rates Residential Property Use Categories Rate Per Dwelling Unit Single-Family $174.00 Multi-Family $143.00 Mobile Home $63.00 Non-Residential Property Use Categories Rate Per Square Foot Commercial $0.18 Industrial/Warehouse $0.03 Institutional $0.14 OTHER OPTIONS Rely solely on ad valorem taxes to fund fire protection services, equipment and programs. Failure in adopting Resolution 2025-11 will result in a loss of $1,906,519 in estimated net revenue dedicated to the fire department budget. This money would then have to come from the general fund. FISCAL IMPACT The Fire Protection Assessment will create a dedicated funding source for fire protection services. [End Agenda Memo] Commissioner Gillespie commented that the proposed fire protection services assessment rates are fair and reasonable in covering the city's costs for fire protection. She acknowledged that the rates would increase but felt the recommended assessment was appropriate. Deputy Mayor Gibson commended Commissioner Gillespie on her comment. Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2025-11 by title only. RESOLUTION 2025-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES, FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS; PROVIDING AUTHORITY, PURPOSE, AND DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; DESCRIBING THE METHOD OF ASSESSING FIRE SERVICES ASSESSMENT COSTS AGAINST PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAKE WALES; DETERMINING THE FIRE ASSESSMENT COST AND INITIAL FIRE SERVICES ASSESSMENTS; DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF AN ASSESSMENT ROLL; AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING AND DIRECTING THE PROVISION OF NOTICE THEREFOR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner Williams made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2025-11. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by roll call vote:  CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner Williams made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2025-11. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 10. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, commented on the feasibility of imposing strict requirements, such as a 50% industrial development completion before any residential units are built, within a mixed-use Master Development Plan. He stated that while such phasing could be achieved through contractual agreements within the MDP, it might not be prudent to make it a rigid, city-wide requirement. He explained that incorporating such strict restrictions could have a "chilling effect" on potential developers. He specifically recalled discussions with Autumn Cochella during negotiations for the StoneRidge project, where the developer and their counsel explicitly stated their unwillingness to agree to a mandatory phasing of commercial or industrial development before residential housing permits were issued. Therefore, while contractually possible on a project-by-project basis, he advised against making it a broadly enforced policy for Lake Wales, as it would likely make it difficult to attract developers. Commissioner Thompson inquired if, going forward, the city could include conditions in development approvals that mandate certain phasing, such as requiring industrial development before residential. He clarified he was merely asking about the possibility, not expressing support or opposition. Mr. Galloway confirmed that such conditions could indeed be incorporated into a Master Development Plan. Commissioner Thompson then suggested a broader discussion on this topic at a future work session. 11. CITY MANAGER 11.I. Commission Meeting Calendar 12. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie commended the 40th anniversary celebration for the Care Center and praised the Lake Wales historical art exhibit at the Art Center, expressing regret that some might have missed seeing it before it closed. She thanked those who spoke about development challenges, specifically referencing the Stoneridge development's first reading. She informed the public that a second reading wouldn't occur for at least 60 days. Gillespie also commended Mr. Iakovidis for his comments on the importance of considering the region's ecology during development. Commissioner Gillespie then discussed the proposal to phase in residential development alongside industrial development. While not taking action on it tonight, she stated her belief that the core issue is the city's desire for more jobs and higher resident incomes (given the current low average income), which contrasts with developers' profit-driven interest in building as many houses as possible on small lots. She sees the phasing approach as a potential solution to this "clash," enabling both the city's need for jobs and developers' interest in selling houses to align. Commissioner Gillespie then discussed the proposal to phase in residential development alongside industrial development. While not taking action on it tonight, she stated her belief that the core issue is the city's desire for more jobs and higher resident incomes (given the current low average income), which contrasts with developers' profit-driven interest in building as many houses as possible on small lots. She sees the phasing approach as a potential solution to this "clash," enabling both the city's need for jobs and developers' interest in selling houses to align. Finally, Commissioner Gillespie expressed concern over the lack of a Pride Month proclamation this year. She explained that any city proclamation requires mayoral approval, and she understood the Mayor had expressed a lack of interest in issuing one for Pride Month. She emphasized that the LGBTQ+ community might feel invisible or unacknowledged without such a proclamation, stressing that the city values all community members and that a national month dedicated to these acknowledgments makes a proclamation appropriate. Commissioner Thompson asked about getting a speed limit sign posted on Park Avenue, as he hears about speeding violations there frequently. He then thanked Ms. Janeen for her questions and for staying for the discussion, and proceeded to answer her questions about water and the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC). Why the City Isn't Giving Exact Numbers/Notice: Commissioner Thompson explained that providing precise numbers is difficult because they are constantly fluctuating, and two key cost figures are unknown: 1. Actual Project Cost: While the water management district has pledged funds, inflationary pressures mean that the total cost to build the plant and drill the wells is uncertain. He speculates that federal grant money for such projects will decrease under the current administration, meaning more of the cost will fall on the PRWC members. 2. Water Treatment Cost: The exact cost to treat the water from the Lower Floridan Aquifer is unknown, though test wells indicate the southeast well field water is of better quality, requiring less treatment. Reverse osmosis will be necessary, which is not cheap. Polk Regional Water Cooperative Project Status: l Well Fields: Two well fields are planned – one on the east side and one on the west. The southeast well field (off Walking Water Road) is ready to begin plant construction, with groundbreaking having recently occurred. l Transmission Lines: Acquiring easements for transmission pipes to municipalities has been a significant challenge, but is nearing completion. l Lake Wales' Position: Lake Wales is a member of the PRWC but is not a participating member in the current project. Commissioner Thompson has been vocal about the city's "wait-and-see" approach, which he believes is prudent. Based on current needs and permitted pumping from the Upper Floridan Aquifer (which is cheap to treat at about $0.50 per thousand gallons), Lake Wales likely wouldn't need to join the PRWC project until 2035 at the earliest. l Overestimation by Other Cities: Some PRWC cities overestimated their water needs based on projected future development, which has not materialized as quickly as anticipated. Commissioner Thompson emphasized that "just because a development gets approved doesn't always mean it's going to get built," citing the disparity between approved and actual built homes in Lake Wales. l Water Scarcity: He assured the public that Lake Wales is "not anywhere near running out of water" and is not pumping anywhere near its permitted capacity from the Upper Floridan Aquifer. Financial Implications and Market Forces: l Commissioner Thompson acknowledged that if Lake Wales eventually participates or purchases water from other municipalities in the PRWC, water bills will inevitably increase for residents. l He noted that Lakeland and Winter Haven, along with Polk County, have the largest financial commitments to the PRWC project and are likely seeing less grant money coming in. l He highlighted the lobbying efforts of PRWC to secure more state and federal grant money. City's Water Conservation Efforts: Commissioner Thompson commended the city's water and sewer department and conservation staff for their excellent management, including implementing new technology for leak detection to reduce water waste. He stressed that the city is actively "attacking this problem" through technology and conservation.  l He highlighted the lobbying efforts of PRWC to secure more state and federal grant money. City's Water Conservation Efforts: Commissioner Thompson commended the city's water and sewer department and conservation staff for their excellent management, including implementing new technology for leak detection to reduce water waste. He stressed that the city is actively "attacking this problem" through technology and conservation. Citizen Responsibility and Growth Outlook: l He mentioned that landscape watering accounts for about 60% of household water use and suggested incentivizing residents to adopt more water-efficient landscaping practices. l He acknowledged that large numbers of approved homes (e.g., 18,000-19,000) can be emotionally alarming but urged citizens to focus on what's "actually unfolding in real time," which is a much slower build-out. l He encouraged citizens not to be afraid, but to engage in research and work collaboratively to find solutions. He also reiterated his belief that the total cost of the PRWC project will likely exceed a billion dollars due to inflationary pressures, with funding coming from taxpayers at local, state, and federal levels. Commissioner Thompson concluded by reiterating that Lake Wales is currently in a very strong position regarding water and is not desperate for the PRWC water at this time. Deputy Mayor Gibson responded to earlier comments from citizen Becky Wynkoop, whom he considers one of his favorite habitual speakers due to her often "tongue in cheek" yet constructive remarks. He focused on her recent comment, which implied the city was not keeping its promises. Deputy Mayor Gibson stated his commitment to keeping all promises made by the city, but emphasized the challenge of knowing what those promises actually are. Drawing on his legal background, he explained that only agreements with clear evidence, particularly in writing, are legally binding. He used an analogy of a game where a message changes as it goes around a circle to illustrate how undocumented "promises" can become distorted over time. He highlighted that as a city commissioner, especially one coming in years later, it's impossible to verify alleged unkept agreements without documented evidence. He asserted that the reason agreements are formalized is precisely to provide this evidence, ensuring that obligations remain clear and binding on future commissions, preventing them from becoming vague recollections. In conclusion, Deputy Mayor Gibson commended Ms. Wynkoop for her consistent and constructive suggestion: if the city is to be held responsible for an agreement, then the evidence of that agreement must be clearly documented. This ensures accountability and that the agreement is implemented as intended, and if a clearly spelled-out agreement is not being followed, then there is a process to enforce it. 13. MAYOR COMMENTS 14. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk