City Commission Workshop Meeting
Regular MeetingLake Wales, FL · July 31, 2024
Minutes
Commission workshop Meeting Minutes
July 31, 2024
(APPROVED)
7/31/2024 - Minutes
1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present: Robin Gibson, Carol Gillespie, Keith Thompson, Daniel Williams
Commission Member Absent: Mayor Jack Hilligoss,
Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City
Attorney
Deputy Mayor Gibson called the meeting to order at approximately 2:00 p.m.
2. City Manager Comments
James Slaton, City Manager, announced that there will be a public open house at the B Street Community
Center on August 22 at 6pm about the Northwest sidewalk project. There will be a groundbreaking
ceremony on August 23. Construction will be August 26th.
3. Presentation - Tommy Frank, Lake Wales Arts Council
Tommy Frank, Lake Wales Arts Council, gave a slideshow update about the Lake Wales Arts Council
activities for the past year.
Mr. Frank expressed gratitude for the city's continued support, which has enabled them to expand their
audience through initiatives like reduced ticket prices, family-friendly programming, and the successful
Creative Kids Market. The Summer Arts Camp has seen a growing demand for scholarships, demonstrating
its positive impact on the community. Looking ahead, the council is gearing up for the 54th annual Arts
Festival, with plans to enhance the artist experience and community engagement. Mr. Frank reviewed some
of the building maintenance challenges and said the council remains committed to enriching the community
through arts and culture, as evidenced by their upcoming initiatives, including a plein air symposium and a
year-long celebration of the Arts Council's 50th anniversary.
4. 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
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
FISCAL IMPACT None to enter into agreement. Potential for developed parcels to increase property value
and tax revenue.
[End Agenda Memo]
Sara Irvine, Special Projects Administrator, reviewed this item.
Commissioner Gillespie asked if this is a standard agreement? Ms. Irvine said yes, the City has a
template and it was reviewed by Tom Cloud, our attorney, and other consultants.
Deputy Mayor Gibson said he opposed this development due to urban sprawl concerns. How
extensive is this project? Does it go to Tower Road? Ms. Irvine said it is a phased development
and invited Shelton Rice to review the project.
James Slaton, City Manager, said we need property on the north end of town for a water tower to
help with water pressure up north, not just for this development but for all of the northern areas of
town. They are trading us the property for some impact fee credits. He invited Mr. Rice to expand
upon this as well as our Public Works Director Sarah Kirkland.
Commissioner Gillespie asked what the capacity fee is? Ms. Irvine explained its similar to impact
fees for water and sewer. The fee reserves capacity.
Shelton Rice, the attorney from Peterson & Myers, representing the Valencia Hills development
project, provided an overview of the project's scope and the utility agreement. He explained that
the project is currently focused on the western block of the property, which was previously part of
the Gardinier ownership. The utility agreement is a requirement resulting from the project's
approval process and is intended to secure the project's place in line for receiving necessary utility
services from the city. This agreement is a culmination of previous planning efforts and is a crucial
step in moving the development forward. Rice emphasized that the agreement only pertains to the
western block and does not extend to the eastern portion of the property, which includes the area
near Tower Road.
Deputy Mayor Gibson asked to what extent are those utilities actually going in the ground?
Mr. Rice explained that the utility installations will be phased. The single-family homes portion of
the project is already in the construction plan approval process and has obtained necessary
permits. The manufactured home community portion is expected to submit construction plans
within the next week or two.
Mr. Slaton said that the public utilities are already in the area.
Mr. Rice explained that the utility installations will be phased. The single-family homes portion of
the project is already in the construction plan approval process and has obtained necessary
permits. The manufactured home community portion is expected to submit construction plans
within the next week or two.
Mr. Slaton said that the public utilities are already in the area.
Commissioner Williams questioned if the Gardiniers had fulfilled their previous promises for the
development. Mr. Rice clarified that the current focus is on the Western block, which his client still
owns and plans to develop. The Central and East blocks have been sold, and no development
plans have been submitted for those areas.
Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, explained that the area in question experiences low water
pressure due to its location and elevation. To address this issue, the city is proposing a ground
storage tank equipped with variable frequency drives (VFDs) to improve water pressure control.
VFDs allow for more efficient pump operation and extend pump life. While a traditional water tower
could also improve pressure, the proposed ground storage tank with VFDs is considered a more
effective and cost-efficient solution for this specific location.
Deputy Mayor Gibson recommended that Lake Wales Highlanders be put on the new water tower.
5. 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]
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]
Belle Reynoso, Library Director, reviewed this item.
The Deputy Mayor suggested incorporating elements of Crystal Lake Park into the library redesign. This
would involve taking advantage of the park's scenic views to create a more engaging library experience for
patrons.
James Slaton, City Manager, said that they intend to do this. This is just a smaller immediate need project.
It's all internal but all of everything you just said is going to happen. Ms. Reynoso said this is the first
phase.
Commissioner Gillespie asked exactly what the proposed changes are. Ms. Reynoso explained that they
are adding extra rooms to the back wall where the books are currently. All the changes are internal.
6. 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]
Belle Reynoso, Library Director, reviewed this item. Gladys Roberts, Coordinator of the Polk County Library
Cooperative (PCLC), reviewed the history of the Polk County Library Cooperative and its benefits.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
[End Agenda Memo]
Belle Reynoso, Library Director, reviewed this item. Gladys Roberts, Coordinator of the Polk County Library
Cooperative (PCLC), reviewed the history of the Polk County Library Cooperative and its benefits.
Commissioner Gillespie commended the PCLC and its convenience. Ms. Roberts reviewed the benefits for
Polk County residents.
7. 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 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]
Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, reviewed this item.
Commissioner Gillespie asked where the Tourist Club is and what it is used for. Ms. Kirkland said it is in
Crystal Lake Park near the tennis courts and is used by the public and City for meetings and events and is
sometimes used as an Early Voting Site.
8. 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:
[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]
Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, reviewed this item.
Commissioner Gillespie noted that there are a few places on the agreement that still say
Pinellas County. Ms. Kirkland said she may have overlooked some areas but will review and
correct them to say Lake Wales for the agenda on Tuesday. The pricing is from Pinellas County
but the agreement will still follow Lake Wales requirements.
9. 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
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.
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
Total
2019/2020 N/A 249,641 22,300 0 25,827 297,768
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]
Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, reviewed this item.
10. 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.
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]
Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, reviewed this item.
11. Bid Award For Airfield Security Fencing And Access. RFB-24-552
[Begin Agenda Memo]
SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider authorizing a bid award to JCR Construction for the Airfield
Security Fencing and Access project at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport.
RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action(s):
1. Award bid number RFB-24-552 to JCR Construction for the Airfield Security Fencing and Access. The bid
amount is $62,500, which will be fully funded by the FDOT.
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 upgrades. This amount will be used to cover the
$62,500 bid by JCR Construction. This project will replace an existing manual gate with an electronic
security gate. It will also extend the security fence from the fuel farm east to the end of runway 24.
There were only two bids submitted for this project. The other bid, from SEMCO, totaled $130,975.95.
OTHER OPTIONS The City Commission may reject the proposal submitted by JCR Construction and direct
staff to initiate a second sealed bid solicitation.
FISCAL IMPACT This project is fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
[End Agenda Memo]
This item was pulled.
12. 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;
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.
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]
James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item.
Commissioner Gillespie confirmed this was approved previously and this is the required second reading. Mr.
Slaton confirmed this.
13. 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.
RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action:
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]
Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item.
14. CITY COMMISSION AND MAYOR COMMENTS
Commissioner Thompson addressed public concerns about rapid growth, explaining that the timeline from
project approval to actual occupancy is lengthy and involves multiple stages. He emphasized the deliberate
and cautious approach taken by the city in managing development.
Commissioner Thompson commended the City Manager for the proactive stance on water supply. He
highlighted the city's strategic position within the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) and
emphasized the importance of the city's cautious approach to avoid potential future water shortages and
increased costs.
Commissioner Thompson expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the recreation center project and
the recent installation of a new flag, acknowledging the positive changes occurring within the community.
15. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 3:58 p.m.
_____________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________
City Clerk
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