City Commission Workshop Meeting

City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes January 29, 2024 (APPROVED) 1/29/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Members Present: Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Robin Gibson, Keith Thompson, Daniel Williams, 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 approximately 2:00 p.m. 2. City Manager Comments 3. PRESENTATION - Lake Wales History Museum Angela Rosado gave an update on the Lake Wales History Museum. l Introduction and Background: Ms. Rosado began by introducing herself and her background in marketing and events. She also introduced the museum's board members and highlighted their contributions. l Museum Activities and Accomplishments: Despite facing challenges during the recent closure, the museum continued to engage the community through various initiatives. These included: ¡ Serving over 7,000 visitors through in-house programs, festivals, and online initiatives. ¡ Securing over $65,000 in grants and donations. ¡ Establishing over 15 partnerships with local businesses and non-profit organizations. ¡ Implementing new programs such as a book club, walking tours, children's dance classes, and the "Beers with Pioneers" event. ¡ Hosting successful events such as Pioneer Days, attracting over 6,900 visitors, with over 50% from outside of Lake Wales. l Museum Renovations and Future Plans: ¡ Phase 1: Completion of the Founders Exhibit, showcasing local history, including the Chalet Suzanne and Bach Tower. ¡ Phase 2: Development of the railroad history exhibit, currently underway. ¡ Phase 3: Reimagining the main gallery space to highlight "Things that make life worth living in Lake Wales," including community events, local businesses, and the city's foundational industries. l Key Priorities: ¡ Improving ADA accessibility: Ongoing efforts to improve accessibility throughout the museum and surrounding areas. ¡ Exploring the potential of the museum's freight space: Considering its use for events, rentals, and other revenue-generating opportunities. ¡ Gathering community feedback: Utilizing tools such as surveys and visitor feedback to improve museum offerings and visitor experiences.  ¡ Improving ADA accessibility: Ongoing efforts to improve accessibility throughout the museum and surrounding areas. ¡ Exploring the potential of the museum's freight space: Considering its use for events, rentals, and other revenue-generating opportunities. ¡ Gathering community feedback: Utilizing tools such as surveys and visitor feedback to improve museum offerings and visitor experiences. Ms. Rosado presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the museum's recent activities, accomplishments, and future plans. She highlighted the museum's commitment to preserving local history, engaging the community, and providing valuable resources to residents and visitors. Commissioner Thompson expressed his support for the Lake Wales History Museum, emphasizing the importance of its role in preserving the city's past. He acknowledged the need for a strong partnership between the city and the museum and expressed his enthusiasm for the museum's recent revitalization efforts. Commissioner Thompson suggested exploring the establishment of a museum membership program, drawing a parallel to his own support of the local arts center. He believed that such a program would not only generate additional revenue for the museum but also foster a stronger sense of community ownership and engagement. Ms. Rosado confirmed that the museum is actively exploring the development of a membership program with various benefits for members, including potential discounts on museum events and exclusive access to certain exhibits. Commissioner Thompson expressed concern about the condition of the Stuart house and inquired about the city's role in its restoration. Ms. Rosado emphasized the museum's willingness to collaborate with the city on restoration efforts, potentially utilizing the expertise of historical preservation consultants. She clarified that the current operational agreement between the city and the museum does not include funding for the restoration and maintenance of the house. She suggested that including the house within the museum's operational scope would require a revised agreement and additional funding. Deputy Mayor Gibson suggested potential uses for the restored house, such as office space for non-profit organizations, a venue for fundraising events, and a meeting space for community groups. He highlighted the potential for the house to become a valuable community asset, serving a variety of purposes and contributing to the city's cultural and economic vitality. Commissioner Thompson acknowledged the city's ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Lake Wales, highlighting the successful redevelopment of Linear Park. He emphasized the importance of preserving and restoring historic properties like the Stuart Dunn Oliver House as part of the city's overall revitalization strategy. The discussion concluded with a shared understanding of the need for further exploration and collaboration to determine the best course of action for the restoration and future use of the Stuart Dunn Oliver House. Commissioner Thompson inquired about the "Mobile Cat Lounge," which Ms. Rosado described as a mobile cat adoption event hosted by a Lakeland-based cat rescue organization. Mayor Hilligoss inquired about the nature of the museum's partnerships with other organizations, such as Main Street Lake Wales. Ms. Rosado explained that these partnerships are typically mutually beneficial, involving information sharing, cross-promotion, and resource sharing. She emphasized that these partnerships do not typically involve financial exchanges. Commissioner Gillespie inquired about the "Pioneer of the Year" award with Polk County. Is the Museum involved in this? Ms. Rosado said yes and explained that this award is presented annually by the Polk County Historical Society to recognize outstanding individuals in each community. This year Dick Howell will be nominated to receive this. 4. Lakeside Landings Developer’s Credit Agreement – Utility Line Upsizing [Begin Agenda Memo] SUBJECT: Lakeside Landings Developer’s Credit Agreement – Utility Line Upsizing 4. Lakeside Landings Developer’s Credit Agreement – Utility Line Upsizing [Begin Agenda Memo] SUBJECT: Lakeside Landings Developer’s Credit Agreement – Utility Line Upsizing SYNOPSIS: The PDP Approval for Lakeside Landings permits 193 single family units. The City has requested that certain utility lines within the Lakeside Landings Project be upsized to accommodate future growth. RECOMMENDATION Approve the Lakeside Landings Developers Utility Credit Agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement. BACKGROUND The City has requested that the water utility lines be stubbed out at the north and south ends of the Lakeside Landings Project and increased from the standard 8” water line to a 12” water line (the “Upsizing Improvements”), as reflected in the 12” water main exhibit, attached to the Agreement as Exhibit “F” (the “Upsizing Exhibit”) § 23-770. Developer contribution credit. a. The city may grant a credit against the impact fees imposed herein for: 1. The donation of land or equipment, or the construction of public facilities made pursuant to a development agreement approved in accordance with division 2 of this article. Such donation or construction shall not be site-related improvements and shall be subject to the approval of the city commission. Developer has provided an estimate for the cost difference as shown in the Agreement as Exhibit G. At time of construction, the cost will be reviewed, and a final credit will be determined, not to exceed $162,322.48. OTHER OPTIONS Not require upsizing Have city contract the work FISCAL IMPACT Developer Credit reduces Water Impact fees at time home building permits are issued, not to exceed a total of $162,322. City will receive same cost benefit from installed upsizing. The city will collect an additional 308,212 dollars in Water Impact Fees if all homes are built. [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. Public Works Director Sarah Kirkland explained that the Lakeside Landings development was initially designed with 8-inch water lines, sufficient for their needs. However, the City requested that they be upgraded to 12-inch lines to align with the city's long-term infrastructure goals. The developer agreed to this request in exchange for a credit against their impact fees, amounting to approximately $162,322.48. This credit will offset the increased costs associated with installing the larger water lines. Deputy Mayor Gibson said that this is a creative use of impact fees. 5. Agreement To Piggyback For Services With Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. To The To Update Municipal Impact And Utility Connection Fee Study [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS The Growth Management Department requests consultant services to update the 2020 Utility and Municipal Development Impact Fees Study conducted by Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. through the use of an agreement to piggyback a contracted services bid by another government entity. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Commission: 1. Approve the Piggyback Agreement for Consultant Services with Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. 2. Approve the proposal by Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. for Municipal Impact and Utility Connection the use of an agreement to piggyback a contracted services bid by another government entity. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Commission: 1. Approve the Piggyback Agreement for Consultant Services with Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. 2. Approve the proposal by Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. for Municipal Impact and Utility Connection Fee Study in the amount of $110,000. 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and other related documents. BACKGROUND Impact and connection fees are charged by the City to cover the capital costs of services to new development. The fees must be updated periodically to reflect the most recent and localized data as a basis for the fees per Florida Statutes. The current fees were last revised in 2020 based upon a study by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. Updates at five-year intervals is considered reasonable in the industry. Professional assistance in updating fees is recommended because of the complexity of the analysis to withstand legal tests. The new Multi-Modal Transportation Impact Fees were established in 2022 and will not be included in this study. The recommendation to hire Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. is based on their preparation of the previous study, knowledge of the city’s fees and structure, and their overall experience and expertise in Polk County. Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. has provided the City excellent service in past studies. The update will recalculate appropriate fees based on the City’s 5-year capital improvements plan for the parks, police, fire, recreation, and libraries impact fees as well as the water and wastewater connection fees. Impact fees are a one-time charge used to fund capital facilities required to serve new development. The fees must reflect the costs to the city for infrastructure and other hard costs for each service. They cannot be used for operation and maintenance or for capital costs within a development. The process is estimated to take eighteen months and include two meetings with staff to initiate the study, to obtain data and details of capital projects, and to review the draft study. The final report will be presented to the City Commission at a workshop and will provide the basis for an ordinance to adopt the study and new impact fee schedule. Procurement is recommended through the piggyback process since the City of Bartow recently underwent a request for qualifications process for the purpose of soliciting qualified professions under the Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act. Utilization of the piggyback process eliminates the need for the city to duplicate the request for qualifications process. Fiscal impact: The study is not a budgeted item, however impact fees that have already been collected may be used to fund the study. Other options Delaying the study is not recommended because Florida Statues requires that impact fees are based on studies using the most recent local data available within four years of the current impact update. The City’s last study was in 2020. Use of a professional consultant experienced in impact fee studies is recommended rather than utilizing in-house staff due to the complex nature of the analysis to ensure the fees meet legal requirements. [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. Ameé Bailey, consultant, explained her role in the project and highlighted Raftelis's expertise in conducting impact fee studies. She emphasized that Raftelis had conducted the City's previous impact fee study and has a strong track record of successful projects in Polk County. Ms. Bailey confirmed that the proposed agreement utilizes a "piggyback" process, leveraging a previous Request for Qualifications (RFQ) conducted by the City of Bartow. She assured the Commission that the City of Bartow had conducted a thorough evaluation process to select Raftelis. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of accurate and well-defined impact fees, stating that they play a crucial role in funding the infrastructure necessary to support new development. He also highlighted the significance of impact fees in shaping the city's growth and development patterns. Deputy Mayor Gibson stressed the need to use impact fees to encourage high-quality development that aligns with the city's vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of avoiding urban sprawl and preserving the city's  thorough evaluation process to select Raftelis. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of accurate and well-defined impact fees, stating that they play a crucial role in funding the infrastructure necessary to support new development. He also highlighted the significance of impact fees in shaping the city's growth and development patterns. Deputy Mayor Gibson stressed the need to use impact fees to encourage high-quality development that aligns with the city's vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of avoiding urban sprawl and preserving the city's unique character. He suggested that well-defined impact fees can incentivize developers to create high- quality projects that enhance the city's overall quality of life. Ms. Bailey explained that after Raftelis completes the study and recommends specific fee rates, the City Commission will have the authority to determine how those fees are implemented. This may include phasing in the new fees over time to minimize the impact on developers. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of impact fees as a critical source of funding for the city's infrastructure needs. He highlighted the city's recent successes in securing grants and other funding opportunities and stressed the importance of continuing these efforts. He also emphasized the importance of using impact fees to support the city's long-term goals and priorities, such as the recently adopted Multi- Modal Transportation Plan. Mayor Hilligoss acknowledged the significance of the Multi-Modal Transportation Plan and reiterated that the final decision regarding the implementation of the impact fee rates will rest with the City Commission. Ms. Bailey confirmed that the City Commission will have the ultimate authority to set the final fee rates based on the recommendations of the study. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of embracing innovative and creative solutions for the city's development. He encouraged the city to explore all available options and to be open to new ideas, while always prioritizing responsible and sustainable growth. Commissioner Thompson highlighted the role of impact fees as a critical funding mechanism for the city's infrastructure needs, while acknowledging that they are not a long-term solution for all the city's financial needs. He emphasized the importance of using impact fees strategically to leverage other funding sources and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the city's infrastructure. Commissioner Gillespie raised concerns about the competitive landscape and the potential impact of neighboring cities' impact fee rates on Lake Wales's attractiveness to developers. Ms. Bailey explained that the impact fee study will provide valuable data on the costs associated with supporting new development within the city, allowing the Commission to make informed decisions about the appropriate fee structure. She emphasized that the final decision on the implementation of impact fees rests with the City Commission, allowing for flexibility and consideration of the city's unique priorities and goals. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of considering market dynamics and the preferences of desirable developers. He suggested that the city should aim to create an environment that attracts high- quality development by offering a competitive and attractive package that includes reasonable impact fees. He argued that while higher fees may generate more revenue, they could also deter desirable developers from investing in Lake Wales. Commissioner Thompson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the city's impact fee policy should be a tool for achieving its broader development goals. He stated that the city should use impact fees as a lever to negotiate with developers and incentivize the type of development that aligns with the city's vision. Ms. Bailey emphasized the importance of considering the long-term implications of impact fee policies. She noted that while lower fees may initially attract developers, they could have unintended consequences, such as straining the city's infrastructure and requiring costly upgrades in the future. She highlighted the importance of conducting thorough research and considering the practices of other municipalities when setting impact fee rates. Deputy Mayor Gibson further emphasized the city's desire to attract high-quality development that aligns with its vision for the future. He stated that the city should not strive to attract all developers but rather focus on attracting those who are committed to creating high-quality projects that enhance the city's character and contribute to its overall success. 6. Special Event Permit Application - 2025 Lake Wales Mardi Gras Celebration, Revised Parade Route  Deputy Mayor Gibson further emphasized the city's desire to attract high-quality development that aligns with its vision for the future. He stated that the city should not strive to attract all developers but rather focus on attracting those who are committed to creating high-quality projects that enhance the city's character and contribute to its overall success. 6. Special Event Permit Application - 2025 Lake Wales Mardi Gras Celebration, Revised Parade Route [Begin Agenda Memo] RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action: • Approve the alternate proposed parade route • Approve the temporary street closings on Saturday, March 1, 2025 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. for the Mardi Gras parade. Lineup will be on First Street north of Park Avenue. Parade will start on Park Avenue and go to Scenic HWY then South to Stuart Avenue. Stuart Avenue to First Street, First Street to Central Avenue, Central Avenue east to Lake Shore Blvd. then to Lake Wailes Park where parade will end. • Approve the temporary closing of North First Street at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday March 1 for parade line-up. BACKGROUND Joshua Curchy, President of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras, has submitted a revised proposed parade route to include Park Avenue in case the road is open as anticipated by March 1. On January 7th the Commission approved the Mardi Gras Special Event permit for February 28- March 1, 2025. This Permit was for the 2024 route that omitted Park Avenue due to the ongoing closure for construction. In hopes that Park Avenue will be open by March 1 the Mardi Gras committee is submitting this alternate route for approval. On Saturday, March 1, 2025 - the Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 3:00 p.m. which will line up and start on First Street, North on Orange Avenue and make its way through the downtown area concluding at Lake Wailes Park at approximately 5:00 p.m. The parade route involves the following streets: First Street to Orange Avenue, Orange Avenue to Scenic Highway, Scenic HWY to Stuart Avenue, Stuart Avenue to First Street, First Street to Central Avenue, Central Avenue east to Lake Shore Blvd. then to Lake Wailes Park where parade will end. The Police Department and the Streets Department will coordinate control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic for the parade. The Streets Department will handle all street closings. Trash barrels with bags will be placed along the parade route and in the areas of the pre-parade and after parade activities in Lake Wailes Park. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the additional route or recommend modifications. FISCAL IMPACT In-Kind services from the City were budgeted in the FY2024/2025 budget in the amount of $8,722. The Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee is responsible for 25% or $2180. Any off-duty officers requested will be paid at 100% by the sponsor. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. 7. 2025 Municipal Election & Canvassing Board Information [Begin Agenda Memo] 2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTION INFORMATION The regular Municipal Election of the City of Lake Wales is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. We will elect a Mayor/Commissioner for Seat 1 for a term of three years beginning May 6, 2025. Members of the City Commission must be registered voters and residents of the City of Lake Wales for at least one year preceding their date of election. The regular Municipal Election of the City of Lake Wales is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. We will elect a Mayor/Commissioner for Seat 1 for a term of three years beginning May 6, 2025. Members of the City Commission must be registered voters and residents of the City of Lake Wales for at least one year preceding their date of election. The seat up for election is currently held by the following Commission member: Seat 1(at-large) Mayor Jack Hilligoss The Mayor elected to Seat 1 is at-large, and candidates can live anywhere in City limits. The qualifying period for a person to qualify as a candidate is from 12:00 p.m., noon, Monday, February 10 through 12:00 p.m., noon, Friday, February 14. Candidate packets are available in the City Clerk’s office beginning 9:00 a.m., Friday, January 31. This packet contains qualifying papers, nominating petitions, and other necessary information and instructions to qualify as a candidate. At the end of qualifying the City Clerk must prepare and submit to the Supervisor of Elections Office the approved ballot by 3:00 p.m. A special City Commission meeting has been scheduled for February 14 at 2:30 p.m. for that purpose. The scheduled special meeting date is also listed on the City Commission Calendar located under the City Manager portion of the agenda. The election on April 1st will also include a Charter Amendment concerning run-off elections. The Municipal Election will be held at the Municipal Administration Building, 201 W. Central Ave., Lake Wales and at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse, 4141 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The City Commission will reschedule its first meeting in April from 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2. Contact the Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 to request a Vote by Mail Ballot. Voter registration deadline is March 3, 2025. CANVASSING BOARD INFORMATION While the Supervisor of Elections and the City Clerk may perform many of the tasks necessary to conduct the election, the City Commission serves as the Municipal Canvassing Board and has legal responsibilities related to the conduct of the Municipal Election. It is necessary to review the responsibilities well in advance to prevent calendar conflicts because a quorum must be present at all Canvassing Board meetings. The following rules apply to all members of the Canvassing Board: No member can serve if they are a candidate with opposition in the election being canvassed or is actively participating in the campaign or the candidacy of any candidate who has opposition in the election being canvassed. Actively participating means undertaking an intentional effort to demonstrate or generate public support for a candidate beyond merely making a campaign contribution. Refer to DE 8-10; 09-07. If a lack of a quorum is created on the Canvassing Board due to this rule or any other unavoidable cause, the City Commission may appoint the city manager, city attorney, or resident/s to serve in the absence of that commission member/s to serve on the Canvassing Board to avoid a possible lack of quorum (Sec. 8- 26, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances). The City Clerk will prepare an agenda item for the first meeting in March for the City Commission to appoint additional people to serve on the Canvassing Board. Per Florida Statute, Canvassing Board members are required to attend the following meetings. -Pre-election Logic and Accuracy Testing of Tabulating Equipment (L&A) Tuesday, March 25, 2025; 11:30 p.m. Elections Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (behind the Auburndale Speedway). -At least one member of the Canvassing Board must attend the L&A Testing. -Election Night Canvassing of Ballots Tuesday, April 1, 2025, time to be scheduled by SOE (5:00 p.m. or later) Elections Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 -A quorum must be present and must remain until all ballots are tabulated. -Certification of Election City of Lake Wales Municipal Administration Building Thursday, April 3, 2025; 5:00 p.m. -A Quorum must be present.  -Election Night Canvassing of Ballots Tuesday, April 1, 2025, time to be scheduled by SOE (5:00 p.m. or later) Elections Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 -A quorum must be present and must remain until all ballots are tabulated. -Certification of Election City of Lake Wales Municipal Administration Building Thursday, April 3, 2025; 5:00 p.m. -A Quorum must be present. - Post-Election Manual Audit Tuesday April 8, 2025 with Time to be determined. Elections Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 -A quorum must be present. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. 8. Discussion - Central Polk Parkway East City Manager James Slaton provided an update on the proposed Central Polk Parkway East, highlighting concerns about the potential impact on the city. He noted that the Turnpike Authority is still exploring various options for the parkway's alignment. Mr. Slaton expressed concerns about the potential disruption to existing developments, particularly the BTI Partners project. He also pointed out the potential for significant disruption to the Lake Wales Commons development if the parkway were to be located near Highway 60. He questioned whether an alternative alignment further east, outside of the current study area, might be a more viable option. Mr. Slaton emphasized the need for input from the City Commission on this critical issue. He encouraged commissioners to share their perspectives and concerns regarding the proposed parkway alignment and to consider alternative options that would minimize the impact on the city's development and environmental resources. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of aligning the parkway's route with the principles outlined in Lake Wales Envisioned, which prioritizes the preservation of green spaces and the concentration of development within existing urban areas. He advocated for an elevated roadway solution along the existing State Road 27 corridor as a more sustainable and less disruptive alternative. He reminded the commission that Lake Wales Envisioned was developed with extensive community input and represents a consensus view of the city's desired future. Commissioner Gillespie stressed the importance of public engagement and community input in the decision-making process. She suggested holding a public meeting to gather resident input and build a strong community consensus on the city's preferred alignment. She also expressed confusion about the proposed routes presented by the Turnpike Authority and sought clarification on their specific locations. Mayor Hilligoss expressed concern about the Turnpike Authority's lack of engagement with the City of Lake Wales throughout the planning process. He emphasized the significant impact that the parkway will have on the city, including its historical sites, future development, and overall quality of life. He stressed the importance of the city's voice being heard in the decision-making process and suggested exploring avenues to effectively communicate the city's concerns and preferences to the Turnpike Authority. He agreed with the Deputy Mayor that the city should be prepared to strongly advocate for its position. Mayor Hilligoss questioned the appropriate course of action, seeking guidance on how the city should proceed. City Manager Slaton suggested that the initial step should be to clearly express the city's opposition to all of the currently proposed alignments. Commissioner Thompson cautioned against being overly specific in the resolution, acknowledging that the city may not have all the necessary information or a fully developed alternative plan at this stage. He emphasized the need to carefully consider the city's position and ensure that it effectively communicates the city's concerns and priorities to the Turnpike Authority. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of aligning the city's position with the principles outlined in Lake Wales Vision, particularly the emphasis on preserving green spaces and avoiding urban sprawl. He suggested that the resolution should clearly state the city's opposition to any alignment that would negatively impact the city's environment, development, and quality of life.  Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of aligning the city's position with the principles outlined in Lake Wales Vision, particularly the emphasis on preserving green spaces and avoiding urban sprawl. He suggested that the resolution should clearly state the city's opposition to any alignment that would negatively impact the city's environment, development, and quality of life. City Attorney Albert Galloway Jr. pointed out the potential cost implications of the proposed alignments, particularly with regard to the costs associated with land acquisition and the potential for increased development in areas that may not be suitable for growth. The discussion concluded with a general consensus that the resolution should clearly express the city's opposition to the currently proposed alignments and emphasize the need for the Turnpike Authority to consider alternative options that are more consistent with the city's vision for the future. 9. CITY COMMISSION AND MAYOR COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie began by welcoming Amee Bailey to the city and acknowledged the absence of Autumn Cochella and expressed hope that a suitable replacement would be found for her position, emphasizing the importance of this role for the city. She then expressed her concerns regarding the proposed Central Polk Parkway East, drawing a parallel to a previous development proposal that negatively impacted residents of Lake Ashton. She emphasized the importance of proactively addressing the potential impacts of the parkway on the city's environment, including the serenity of Bok Tower Gardens. Commissioner Gillespie acknowledged the limited influence the city may have over the final parkway alignment but stressed the importance of actively engaging with the Turnpike Authority and advocating for the city's interests. She emphasized the need for a concerted effort to ensure that the parkway's route minimizes its impact on the city's environment and quality of life. Commissioner Thompson asked the Mayor recognize the American Red Cross and the Lake Wales History Museum. He shared that his brother, who works for the American Red Cross, informed him that the organization possesses historical artifacts and documents related to the Lake Wales chapter, including news articles dating back to 1934. Commissioner Thompson recommended that these historical materials be donated to the Lake Wales History Museum for preservation and public access. He also proposed that the City Commission issue a proclamation declaring March as American Red Cross Month in recognition of the organization's vital work in disaster relief and community support. Commissioner Thompson emphasized the critical role of the American Red Cross in disaster relief and expressed concern about the potential impact of budget cuts on the organization's ability to effectively serve communities. He highlighted the importance of supporting the Red Cross and preserving its historical legacy. He concluded by requesting that staff draft a suitable proclamation for consideration at the next City Commission meeting and coordinate with the Museum to facilitate the transfer of the historical artifacts. Deputy Mayor Gibson noted the passing of Lake Wales Pioneer Edwin Friedlander, a first rate human being who loved Lake Wales. Mayor Hilligoss expressed his appreciation for the Lake Wales History Museum's presentation to the City Commission. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the city's relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and emphasized the value of regular communication and collaboration. He noted that the museum's presentation provided a valuable opportunity for the Commission to learn more about the museum's activities and plans, and he looked forward to similar presentations from other NGOs in the city, particularly as the city works to renew and refine its contracts with these organizations. 10. ADJOURN  the museum's presentation provided a valuable opportunity for the Commission to learn more about the museum's activities and plans, and he looked forward to similar presentations from other NGOs in the city, particularly as the city works to renew and refine its contracts with these organizations. 10. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned about 3:30 pm _____________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________ City Clerk