City Commission Workshop Meeting

City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes October 30, 2024 (APPROVED) 10/30/2024 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Robin Gibson, Daniel Williams, Keith Thompson, Carol Gillespie Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney Mayor Hilligoss called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m. 2. City Manager Comments James Slaton, City Manager, reported that a dozen streets have been resurfaced over the past week. 11th Street will be done next. The repairs on Park Avenue west of 1st Street have been complete and the work on Scenic Hwy has begun. Mr. Slaton highlighted two significant events. Sara Irvine participated as a panelist at the Design-Build Institute Association Florida Conference, discussing Lake Wales' ongoing projects and the Lake Wales Connected Plan. Additionally, Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, serves on the Florida Redevelopment Association Board of directors. There was a feature on Lake Wales at the conference, they had an hour-long segment in which the CRA Chair participated and we were able to tell the story to other redevelopers in State of Florida about what we are doing in Lake Wales. Deputy Mayor Gibson reported on his participation in a panel at the Florida Redevelopment Association conference. He noted the positive reception of the presentation, highlighting the contributions of Deena Drumgo and Skip Alford from the Chamber of Commerce. He also mentioned that the audience was impressed by the city's accomplishments, particularly the progress of the $18.5 million project and $22.9 million grant award. Mr. Slaton highlighted several recent activities and upcoming opportunities. He was invited to speak about Lake Wales's projects at an upcoming Greenways and Trails conference. The city recently hosted a group of developers from the National Town Builders Association, who were impressed by Lake Wales's approach to development and urbanism. Slaton has scheduled meetings with some of these developers, indicating potential future collaborations and opportunities. The positive feedback received from these visitors validates the city's approach and its commitment to quality development. 3. Proposal Agreement With Colliers For North Fire Station Project [Begin Agenda Item] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting City Commission approval of the Proposal Agreement with Colliers for the North Fire Station Project. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions:  [Begin Agenda Item] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting City Commission approval of the Proposal Agreement with Colliers for the North Fire Station Project. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve Agreements with Colliers Project Leaders. 2. Approve agreement in the amount of $34,904 (5 equal payments of $6,981). 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The agreement proposal with Collier Project Leaders will provide project management services through the completion of the design & bid phases of the North Fire Station Project (Chalet Suzanne).The focus will be to maximize the value of the project and protect the City’s interests. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Agreement with Colliers Project Leaders. FISCAL IMPACT The total amount for is $34,904 (5 equal payments of $6,981 per month). [End Agenda Memo] Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, reviewed this item. Ken Guyette, a Principal Associate with Colliers Project Leaders, presented this proposal for project management services for the North Fire Station (Chalet Suzanne) project. The goal of these services is to maximize the value of the project and protect the city's interests. The proposal was based on lessons learned from the streetscape project. The project management team will review the design documents to ensure they are comprehensive and minimize the need for changes during the construction phase. This proactive approach aims to streamline the process and avoid potential delays or cost overruns. Commissioner Gillespie inquired about the necessity of hiring a consultant for this task, suggesting that some cities might handle it internally. Mr. Guyette explained that most cities rely on external consultants to provide the necessary expertise and capacity, as their internal staff may not have the bandwidth to conduct comprehensive design reviews. He emphasized the importance of involving various city departments in the review process to ensure a thorough and collaborative approach. 4. Vacant Land Contract For 0 Nest Egg Road [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting City Commission approval of the Vacant Land Contract between McKenna Brothers, Inc. & McKenna Family Partnership and the City of Lake Wales. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the Vacant Land Contract with McKenna Brothers, Inc. & McKenna Family Partnership 2. Approve budget amendment in the amount of $300,000. 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The proposed vacant land contract allows for the purchase of 5 acres of property at the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. This property will be the location of a future fire station. It is currently outside of the city limits, but there are plans to annex into city limits. This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries. The City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to procure the property.  BACKGROUND The proposed vacant land contract allows for the purchase of 5 acres of property at the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. This property will be the location of a future fire station. It is currently outside of the city limits, but there are plans to annex into city limits. This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries. The City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to procure the property. According to the appraisal report, the subject has not been split from the parent parcel of approximately 19.32 acres. The subject is directly accessible from Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. The proposed vacant land contract has been drafted and reviewed by the City Attorney. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Vacant Land Contract with McKenna Brothers, Inc. & McKenna Family FISCAL IMPACT The purchase price for the vacant land is $300,000. [End Agenda Memo] Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, reviewed this item. Joe Jenkins, Fire Chief, explained the need for the property purchase to ensure adequate fire service coverage for future growth in the southern and eastern parts of the city. The new fire station will be strategically located to provide efficient response times and meet the increasing demands of the growing area. The purchase of the property will allow the city to proactively plan for future development and maintain its commitment to public safety. The commission discussed the purchase of a 5-acre property at the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road for a future fire station. The property is currently outside the city limits but will be annexed. The purchase price of $300,000 was discussed, and it was noted that an appraisal valued the property at $200,000. However, given the strategic location and potential future development in the area, the $300,000 price was considered reasonable. The commission also discussed the importance of proactive planning for future growth in the southern and eastern parts of the city. Chief Jenkins said the new fire station will be strategically located to serve these areas and ensure adequate fire protection. Mr. Slaton confirmed that the city plans to use ARPA funding to purchase the property. Commissioner Thompson said that this is a good use of funds. It is a good location. Chief Jenkins said this is a corner spot which helps with access. He said we are ahead of the game here with ADS moving dirt. Mr. Slaton said they will get design done next year for when we are ready to build. It will include future expansion. The Environmental Assessment will come back soon. This is contingent upon that coming back okay. 5. ORDINANCE 2024-38, FY23’24 Budget Amendment #1, 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider approval of the first amendment of FY 23’24 Budget that was adopted on September 19, 2023. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission approve Ordinance 2024-38 after first reading. BACKGROUND Ordinance 2023-26 estimating revenues and appropriating funds for Fiscal Year 2023’24 was adopted by the City Commission September 19, 2023. We are presenting Ordinance 2024-38 to modify the estimates of revenues and appropriations budgeted in various funds. This is primarily a housekeeping ordinance to conform the adopted budget to realized or expected changes within the current fiscal year. Explanation of change, for significant items, has been provided on both Exhibit A and B.  BACKGROUND Ordinance 2023-26 estimating revenues and appropriating funds for Fiscal Year 2023’24 was adopted by the City Commission September 19, 2023. We are presenting Ordinance 2024-38 to modify the estimates of revenues and appropriations budgeted in various funds. This is primarily a housekeeping ordinance to conform the adopted budget to realized or expected changes within the current fiscal year. Explanation of change, for significant items, has been provided on both Exhibit A and B. OTHER OPTIONS This is a required budgetary amendment for compliance purposes relating to the City’s Charter and Florida State Statute. Per the Lake Wales City Charter, Section 6.07, upon written request by the City Manager, the City Commission may by ordinance transfer part or all of any unencumber appropriation balance from one department, office or agency to another. Per Florida State Statute, Section 166.241, the budget must regulate expenditures of the municipality. If a budget amendment is required the amendment must be adopted in the same manner as the original budget. FISCAL IMPACT See Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached to Ordinance 2024-38 [End Agenda Memo] Dorothy Abbott, Finance Director, reviewed this item. Commissioner Thompson asked to confirm the increase in impact fees. Dorothy Abbott, the Finance Director, explained that there had been a significant increase in impact fees, totaling $731,000, which was not anticipated in the original budget. She emphasized that this was an unusual year, with a substantial increase in revenue. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked to confirm that we will allocate the rest of the American Rescue Plan funds. Ms. Abbott confirmed this and she said she also preferred a more definitive approach to allocating American Rescue Plan funds, rather than simply doing the best they can. 6. Museum’s Yellow Depot Renovations [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff recommends commission authorize the expenditure of $26,926.41 to Semco Construction, Inc. for renovations at the Museum’s Yellow Depot building. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Authorize the expenditure for repairs to the window and wall at the Museum’s Yellow Depot building. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND Currently the Museum uses the Yellow Depot for storage of artifacts. The museum’s curator also uses the Yellow Depot to do his/her work here. A lot of the Yellow Depot does not have a framed ceiling in it. This makes for a large area for the current HVAC to keep at the proper temperature for the museum’s operations. By performing the renovation of adding a ceiling grid and tile system this will reduce the area that will need to be kept at the proper temperature for the museum’s operations. In addition to the ceiling grid there will be new LED light fixtures added and some HVAC additions added for the new ceiling. Staff approached Semco Construction, Inc., & Miller Construction Management, Inc. for quotes. Miller Construction was non-responsive. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve the expenditure of $26,926.41 to Semco Construction, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION The commission could choose not to go forward with these needed renovations and risk damage to the artifacts stored at the facility.  Construction was non-responsive. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve the expenditure of $26,926.41 to Semco Construction, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION The commission could choose not to go forward with these needed renovations and risk damage to the artifacts stored at the facility. FISCAL IMPACT $26,926.41 will be used from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to pay for the renovations [End Agenda Memo] Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, reviewed this item. 7. Roof Replacement At Administration Building [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff recommends commission authorize the expenditure of $374,634.00 to Allied Roofing, Inc. for roof replacement at the Administration Building. If curb work is needed an additional cost of $9,005.00 could be added to final cost. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Authorize the expenditure for roof replacement at the Administration Building. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The current roof at the Administration Building is several years past its lifespan. There are many leaks throughout the roof area. This has caused many work locations to have water leaks throughout the building. Many of the ceiling tiles have been replaced over the last several years and currently many have water stains. After each rain the facility staff spends a lot of time emptying pans that are above the ceiling tiles to keep the leaks from causing damage in the offices. On August 29, 2024 the city solicited a request for proposal for the roof replacement, with a bid open date of September 26, 2024. There were thirteen responsive bidders with a total of 18 proposals. A review committee consisting of 5 staff employees was created to evaluate and score the proposals. On October 15, 2024 the committee met to review the scoring for each proposal. Based on the evaluations staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve the expenditure of $374,634.00 plus $9,005.00 for possible additional work to Allied Roofing, Inc. and authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION The commission could choose not to go forward with these needed repairs and risk further damaged being caused to the facility. FISCAL IMPACT $374,634.00 along with $9,005.00 will be used from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the roof replacement. [End Agenda Memo] Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, reviewed this item. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked how long have we had the roof. Ms. Kirkland said it has been patched over the years but this is the roof from 25 years ago. Commissioner Thompson asked about replacing damaged ceiling tiles. Ms. Kirkland said the tiles are changed when they get bad. Hopefully after the replacement we won't have water leaking anymore. The warranty the contractor was offering is better. 8. Public Hearing – Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery - Hazard Mitigation Grant Application And Award Acceptance For City Hall Generator [Begin Agenda Memo]  won't have water leaking anymore. The warranty the contractor was offering is better. 8. Public Hearing – Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery - Hazard Mitigation Grant Application And Award Acceptance For City Hall Generator [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The city has been awarded a FEMA grant for funding for a permanent generator at city hall. Commission will conduct a public hearing on the grant application and consider authorizing the submission of the CDBG-DR Grant Application and Acceptance of Grant Awards. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Hold the public hearing to take citizen input. 2. Approve submission of grant application 3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the grant application(s) for submission. 4. Authorize the Mayor to execute FEMA HMGP Sub-Recipient 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: 43.791.25 SRMC: 7,280.00 (Sub-Recipient Management Cost) Total Funding: 160,553.00 We were recently informed that Florida Commerce intends to award the city the Local Share through a Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). Hence, the reason for holding a Public Hearing. FISCAL IMPACT If the bids for a generator are within the total funding amount, the impacts would be staff and consultant time. [End Agenda Memo] Sara Irvine, Special Projects Administration, reviewed this item. James Slaton, City Manager, said this is a big deal for the City so that staff is not in the dark every time the building loses power. Ms. Irvine said sometimes we lose power for events besides hurricanes. 9. PRWC Revised Water Conservation Implementation Agreement 2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The Commission approved an earlier version, it has been updated with member suggested changes. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends City Commission approve the PRWC Revised (redlined) Conservation Implementation Agreement. BACKGROUND The PRWC Water Conservation budget consists of member government annual contributions of $75,000 and matched by Heartland Grant funds to total $150,000. Lake Wales portion of the $75,000 is $2,833. An initial scope of work and agreement have been drafted to hire a third provider to implement the Water Conservation Program for the PRWC members. The Water Conservation Program is required by SWFWMD to receive project funding.  BACKGROUND The PRWC Water Conservation budget consists of member government annual contributions of $75,000 and matched by Heartland Grant funds to total $150,000. Lake Wales portion of the $75,000 is $2,833. An initial scope of work and agreement have been drafted to hire a third provider to implement the Water Conservation Program for the PRWC members. The Water Conservation Program is required by SWFWMD to receive project funding. FISCAL IMPACT For the fiscal year 24-25 the amount is $2,833 for Lake Wales. The city may also have in- house water conservation costs not associated with this agreement. [End Agenda Memo] Sara Irvine, Special Projects Administration, reviewed this item. 10. RESOLUTION 2024-26, Public Transportation Amendment To Grant Agreement G2K90 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider approving Resolution 2024-26, authorizing an amendment to the agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to provide funding for T-hangar Taxilane Reconstruction at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport. RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve Resolution 2024-26, authorizing the amendment of Public Transportation Grant Agreement G2K90 by the Mayor with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for additional funding in the amount of $0. BACKGROUND The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has amended a grant to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for T-hangar Taxilane Reconstruction. This amendment will provide the additional construction scope of services for the Taxilane Rehabilitations. This is a $0 amendment. OTHER OPTIONS Deny the amendment to the agreement. FISCAL IMPACT $0 [End Agenda Memo] Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, reviewed this item. 11. Acceptance Of A Police Canine Donation [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: The City Commission will consider accepting the donation of a police dog from Patriot Canine Services. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the City Commission consider take the following action: 1. Accept the donation of a police dog from Patriot Canine Services. BACKGROUND The Lake Wales Police Department established the canine unit in 1997 with two canine teams. The department quickly recognized the value of canines and soon expanded to four canine teams. Having four teams made it possible for a canine to be on duty during each shift, providing 24/7 coverage. Police canines are used for criminal apprehension, tracking missing persons and suspects, building searches, evidence location, crowd control, narcotic detection, officer safety, and public demonstrations for educational purposes. Each canine team completes a 400-hour police canine school then demonstrates proficiency in all areas of their training in the presence of two state evaluators before going into service. The standards for this evaluation are established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and are required in order to be certified by the state. Following this certification, each canine team then attends 200 hours of narcotics training and certification to detect the presence of drug odors. Last year one of the department’s canines retired along with their handler following a long career serving our community. Patriot Canine Services learned about the department’s vacancy and has graciously offered to  educational purposes. Each canine team completes a 400-hour police canine school then demonstrates proficiency in all areas of their training in the presence of two state evaluators before going into service. The standards for this evaluation are established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and are required in order to be certified by the state. Following this certification, each canine team then attends 200 hours of narcotics training and certification to detect the presence of drug odors. Last year one of the department’s canines retired along with their handler following a long career serving our community. Patriot Canine Services learned about the department’s vacancy and has graciously offered to donate an 8-month-old Belgian Malinois that has already received some basic obedience training. If the City Commission accepts the donation of this canine, it will begin training with a new handler beginning December 20, 2024 and be ready for duty in the Summer of 2025. The approximate value of this canine donation is $10,000.00. OTHER OPTIONS Do not accept the donation and expend budgeted capital outlay funds. FISCAL IMPACT There will be no additional fiscal impact to the City of Lake Wales. The department has already budgeted operating funds for four (4) canines in FY 2024/2025. [End Agenda Memo] Chris Velasquez, Police Chief, reviewed this item. 12. Approval Of Contract For Law Enforcement Services: Lake Wales Housing Authority [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: The City and the CRA will consider approving a contract with the Lake Wales Housing Authority to continue providing supplemental law enforcement services at the Grove Manor and Sunrise Park public housing complexes. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission authorize the Mayor to execute a Contract for Services with the Lake Wales Housing Authority for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025. It is recommended that the CRA Board authorize the Chair to execute a Contract for Services with the Lake Wales Housing Authority for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. BACKGROUND Since 2011/2012 the CRA Board of Commissioners have approved funding a law enforcement officer position to provide supplemental law enforcement services toward designated CRA areas and the Lake Wales Housing Authority, Grove Manor Complex. In an effort to continue providing these supplemental law enforcement services to the Lake Wales Housing Authority, Grove Manor and Sunrise Park Complex residents, the Lake Wales Police Department seeks approval to enter into a new contract for FY2024/2025. This contract for supplemental law enforcement provides for a monthly payment due the City in the amount of $3,444.00 from the Housing Authority. [End Agenda Memo] Chris Velasquez, Police Chief, reviewed this item. Deputy Mayor Gibson inquired about the financial arrangement between the city, CRA, and Housing Authority for the supplemental law enforcement services. Chief Velasquez explained that the city provides the services, and the funding comes from both the CRA and the Housing Authority. The value of the services provided is likely equivalent to or exceeds the funding received, ensuring that the city is adequately compensated for the additional resources allocated to the project. 13. ORDINANCE 2024-37 Authorizing Use Of Traffic Infraction Detectors/Red Light Cameras And School Zone Speed Limit Detection Systems - 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: Ordinance 2024-37 was prepared for the purposes of implementing utilization of traffic infraction detectors/red light cameras and school zone speed limit detection systems in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Recommendation: That the City Commission, after due consideration, approve Ordinance 2024-37 after first reading. Synopsis: Ordinance 2024-37 was prepared for the purposes of implementing utilization of traffic infraction detectors/red light cameras and school zone speed limit detection systems in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Recommendation: That the City Commission, after due consideration, approve Ordinance 2024-37 after first reading. Background: The City Commission is aware that violations of traffic laws, including the running of red lights and speeding within school zones within the City limits creates a hazard to the citizens of and visitors to the City of Lake Wales. The Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program, originally passed in 2013 by the Florida Legislature and now codified in Sec. 316.0083, Fla. Stat., provides for implementation and administration of traffic citations by municipalities for traffic infractions relating to traffic control devices such as red-light cameras and school zone speed limit detection systems. [End Agenda Memo] Lieutenant Palmer, Police Department, presented information on the implementation of red-light cameras and school zone speed cameras in Lake Wales. The goal of this initiative is to improve traffic safety and reduce accidents. Key points from the presentation include: l Traffic Enforcement Challenges: The police department faces challenges in enforcing traffic laws due to limited resources. l Benefits of Automated Enforcement: Automated enforcement systems can help reduce accidents, especially in school zones, and deter reckless driving behaviors. l Camera System Functionality: The cameras capture violations and generate citations automatically. The city will review these citations and have the option to approve or dismiss them. l Public Awareness and Education: The city will implement a public awareness campaign to inform residents about the new system and encourage safe driving. l Financial Implications: The cost of the system will be covered by the revenue generated from fines. l Potential Impact: It is expected that the system will improve traffic safety, reduce accidents, and create a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers. Commissioner Gillespie expressed concerns about the financial impact on residents and the potential for excessive ticketing. She questioned the effectiveness of the cameras in changing driving behavior and raised concerns about the potential for citizen complaints. City Manager James Slaton and Lieutenant Palmer countered these concerns by highlighting the potential benefits of the cameras in reducing accidents and improving traffic safety. They emphasized that the revenue generated from fines would be used to fund the system and that the cameras would be strategically placed to target areas with high traffic volumes and accident rates. Commissioner Thompson expressed mixed feelings about the implementation of red light and school zone cameras. While he acknowledged the need for traffic safety measures, he also expressed concerns about potential overzealous enforcement and the impact on citizens. He emphasized the importance of selecting a reputable vendor and ensuring fairness in the implementation of the system. Commissioner Thompson also highlighted the need to balance the enforcement of traffic laws with the rights of citizens. He supported the use of cameras in school zones to improve safety but urged caution in their broader implementation. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed his support for the implementation of red light and school zone cameras, emphasizing the importance of traffic safety. Deputy Mayor Gibson also acknowledged the potential for challenges and legal issues related to automated enforcement systems, but he noted that these issues have been addressed and resolved over time. He highlighted the critical nature of traffic safety and the potential for serious accidents caused by reckless driving. Deputy Mayor Gibson also raised concerns about the effectiveness of GPS warnings in preventing traffic violations and questioned the city's relationship with GPS companies. He suggested that collaboration with  Deputy Mayor Gibson also acknowledged the potential for challenges and legal issues related to automated enforcement systems, but he noted that these issues have been addressed and resolved over time. He highlighted the critical nature of traffic safety and the potential for serious accidents caused by reckless driving. Deputy Mayor Gibson also raised concerns about the effectiveness of GPS warnings in preventing traffic violations and questioned the city's relationship with GPS companies. He suggested that collaboration with GPS companies could be an effective way to improve traffic safety. Ultimately, Deputy Mayor Gibson supported the use of technology to enhance traffic safety and reduce accidents. 14. CITY COMMISSION AND MAYOR COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie praised the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Care Center's renovated building for temporary housing, highlighting its positive impact on the community. She also commended the Art Center's recent health fair, which provided opportunities for community members to participate in fitness classes and support local vendors. She expressed hope that the Arts Center would continue to organize such events in the future. Commissioner Gillespie also commended the recent Pioneer Days event. Commissioner Williams said to keep up the great work. Commissioner Thompson expressed his enthusiasm about the positive developments in Lake Wales, particularly the progress on the linear park. He acknowledged the recognition the city has received for its efforts in implementing the Lake Wales Connected Plan and encouraged continued hard work from city staff. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the dedication and efforts of city staff in making Lake Wales a better place. James Slaton, City Manager, said it all starts with the Commission and it is exciting. You can see the beginning of the change. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed concern about the damage caused by recent hurricanes, particularly to street signs. He suggested that a simple task like straightening or replacing damaged signs could improve safety and reduce confusion for drivers. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining proper signage at intersections, such as four-way stop signs. Mayor Hilligoss said that Lake Wales is being strategic. He emphasized the importance of responsible growth management and highlighted Lake Wales' proactive approach to addressing water conservation and infrastructure needs. He credited the city's well-planned development strategies for its current position and emphasized the need for strategic planning to maximize opportunities while minimizing negative impacts. He also acknowledged the challenges of managing growth on social media but expressed confidence in the city's future. 15. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m. _____________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________ City Clerk