City Commission - Regular Meeting

Hallelujah.

Monday, April 27th, 2020. Let me first by just say state I apologize for being late this evening. We had a CRA meeting that went a little bit long. So I apologize for that. Uh appreciate you hanging with us. With that, city clerk, can we get a roll call, please? Commissioner Davis here. Commissioner Dles here. Commissioner Bong here. Mayor Pro Mercer here. And Mayor Yates here. Okay. We'll have the uh invocation and pledge. Uh the invocation. Pastor Caesar Perez had to leave. So, Commissioner Dolison will step into his pastorial duties and give us the invocation. If we'll all please stand if able.

Looking forward to increase in salary tonight. That's okay. Let us pray. Father, we thank you tonight for the awesome privilege of gathering in this place, this chamber. Oh God, where decisions are decided upon. Lord, we pray for wisdom, guidance. Father, we pray your spirit will embolden us, dear master, to do what is right in your sight. We thank you for this great city of ours. We pray, God, your continued blessings upon every citizen. We thank you, dear God, for staff. We thank you, dear God, for the leadership of our city. Father, we just pray tonight you will bless our country. Father, we're a country at war. And we pray tonight, God, you will bless our men and women who are in harm's way. Father, we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Father, we pray tonight that you will allow peace to reign throughout this nation. Father, we pray for your love and your kindness, which is better than life itself. We ask these blessings tonight in the powerful and the wonderful name of he who said if I if I be lifted up from the earth I will draw men unto me. In his blessed name we pray. Amen.

Amen.

Let's give the pledgece to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Evening mayor and commissioners. You have three presentations this evening. First is for mental health awareness month. Deputy City Manager MJ Carnival will deliver this presentation.

Good evening, Mayor and City Commissioners. Whereas the city of Winter Haven, Florida recognizes that mental health is essential to the overall health, safety, and stability of this community. And whereas mental health challenges affect individuals from all ages and backgrounds, underscoring the need for awareness, access to care, and coordinated community support. And whereas communities play a critical role in promoting wellness by fostering connection, increasing understanding, and ensuring that support systems are visible and accessible. And whereas the city of Winter Haven supports efforts to strengthen awareness, reduce stig stigma, and enhance access to mental health resources across the community. And whereas the 2026 mental health awareness month theme, stigma, stigma grows in silence, healing begins in the community, emphasizes the importance of open dialogue, connection, and shared responsibility in supporting mental well-being. And whereas mental health awareness month provides an opportunity to reinforce these efforts and encourage continued community engagement. Now therefore, William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, does hereby proclaim May 2026 as mental health awareness month in the city of Winter Haven and urge all citizens and organizations and city employees to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and support communitywide commitment to mental health and well-being. And witness whereof, he is here to set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida to be affixed this 27th day of April, 2026. Signed William Brian Yates, Mayor Patess Vanessa Castillo, city clerk.

Thank you all and good evening, mayor, commissioners, and um city manager, assistant deputy city manager. Um on behalf of Winter Haven's public safety and our community partners, I want to thank you for recognizing May as mental health awareness month. This proclamation reflects important and mental health is not separate from public safety, from workforce stability or from community well-being. It is directly connected to all of it. Over the past several years, we have made a deliberate shift as we've moved from viewing mental health as something people only in crisis experience to something that is built on how we support our personnel and our community every day. Tonight, that work is represented here. Our public safety peer support team made up of police, fire, and civilian staff. Unfortunately, everyone was a little busy this evening. We have one representative with us alongside Advent Health, Bayare, Tri County Human Services. We expect and extend that support um from beyond our organization into the community. Mental health awareness is about action. It's about reducing stigma through consistent visible support and ensuring that when someone needs help, the system around them is ready to respond. This proclamation reinforces that commitment. Thank you again for the recognition and thank you for your continued support. and Lakeland Regional Health.

All right. Take two. Mayor, commissioners, your second proclamation this evening is for hurricane preparedness week and ask that Charlie Bird, assistant city manager for public safety, present this proclamation this evening. Sir,

thank you, sir. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. Where Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive forces capable of producing high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, tornadoes, and widespread impacts to infrastructure and daily life. And whereas the state of Florida and the city of Winter Haven are vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes that can cause damage, flooding, power outages, and disruptions to essential services. And with hurricane season occurring annually from June 1st through November 30th, early preparedness and proactive planning are critical. And whereas the safety and resilience of our community depend on informed and prepared residents, businesses, and visitors who understand their risk and take proactive steps before hurricane season begins. And whereas advanced preparation, including understanding your risk, developing an an evacuation plan, making necessary home repairs, proactively pruning trees, and maintaining landscaping to reduce storm related hazards, assembling disaster supply kits, reviewing insurance coverage, and identifying multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Significantly improves the ability to respond to and recover from severe weather events. And Whereas National Hurricane Preparedness Week is observed annually during the first week of May and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage all members of the community to take action to protect themselves, their families, and their property. And now, therefore, I, William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd, 2026 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in the city of Winter Haven, and urge all citizens, businesses, and visitors to take action. Prepare now for before hurricane season begins by making a plan, assembling emergency supplies, securing their property, and staying informed. In witness whereof, he

unto here unto set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida to be affixed this 26th day of April, 2026. William Brian Yates, mayor, attested Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. Good evening, mayor, city commissioners. On behalf of all of our city departments and our community partners, we want to thank you for recognizing the first week of May as hurricane preparedness week. Preparing for hurricane season is something that we all take very seriously and is truly a year-round effort for us all. As a city, we've already begun our hurricane preparedness activities. This includes updating staff emergency contact information in our phone trees, reviewing our pre and postevent procedures, testing our critical equipment, and ensuring active construction projects have storm plans in place. We also are identifying new facilities that have come online over the past year to ensure that they are fully integrated into our emergency response framework. During the month of May, we will be focusing on training for our upcoming season. We will be hosting weekly 214 Tuesdays to ensure our staff is prepared to effectively document response and recovery efforts. and we'll continue those trainings monthly throughout the hurricane season. Our disaster assessment team made up of staff from multiple departments. We'll also conduct trainings as a comprehensive assessment of our community within the first 48 hours after a storm is critical to effective response. Our solid waste team will also be participating in countywide debris management training and ensuring all of our collection equipment is certified and ready if needed. We will be working closely with our partners at TICO to prioritize critical infrastructure for power restoration as well. I would be remiss in saying this work would not be possible without strong partnerships. We are grateful for the ongoing coordination and support from PK County Emergency Management and Paul Wle who is here tonight and their commitment to ensuring P County is prepared for any event. We also want to recognize the American Red Cross and Tina Sweden who is here whose role is sheltering response and long-term recovery is essential to helping our community rebound after a storm. And while we do everything that we can as a city to

prepare, we also encourage our residents to take steps now. That includes building a preparedness kit with essential supplies, maintaining their property and landscaping ahead of the storm and taking their time to assess their home and identify potential risk before a storm is on the way. As Charlie mentioned, preparation on the front end will make all of the difference in how quickly and safely we can recover. And we thank you again for your support this evening. And these are the men and women who do all of that preparation work after you all. All right. All right.

Mayor and commissioners, your third proclamation this evening is in recognition of municipal clerk's week. Whereas the office of the municipal clerk, a timehonored and vital part of local government, exists throughout the world. And whereas the office of the municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants. And whereas the office of the municipal clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies, and agencies of government at other levels. And whereas municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all. And whereas the municipal clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community. And whereas municipal clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the office of the m municipal clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county, and international professional organizations. And whereas it's most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the office of the municipal clerk. Now therefore, William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, does hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd, 2026 as Municipal Clerk's Week in the city of Winter Haven. and further extends appreciation to our city clerk, Vanessa Castillo, master municipal clerk, and deputy city clerk Latana Harris, certified municipal clerk, and Florida certified records manager, and all municipal clerks for the vital services they perform in their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent. In witness whereof, he is here to set his hand and caused the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, to be affixed this 27th day of April, 2026. signed. William Brian Yates, mayor attest, Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. Thank you.

Good evening, mayor and commissioners. Before receiving the pro this proclamation, I just want to take a brief moment to recognize municipal clerks week and note that this marks the 12th consecutive year the commission has done so. So, thank you for that. The city clerk's office is responsible for a wide range of duties that support city meetings, official records, and public information. Consistency is a key part of that responsibility. We strive to remain neutral, focused, and reliable in carrying out those duties. Much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes, but it helps keep everything running smoothly. On behalf of Deputy City Clerk Lata Harris and myself, we truly appreciate the recognition and the consistent support from each of you for the city clerk's office. We are honored to receive this proclamation. Thank you.

And is taking care of Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, item 5D on your agenda this evening is the pres presentation of the audit results for the annual comprehensive financial report fiscal year ending September 30th, 2025. Mr. Garrett Marlo will present this on behalf of the firm of Malden and Jenkins CPA.

Thank you, sir.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the commission. Thank you all for having me. Daniel had an item pop up last second. So, I'm here and I have nine years of experience all with Mald Jenkins and I was the audit manager dealing with the with the day-to-day activities with CJ, Debbie, and the finance staff here for the audit. And we'll start tonight's presentation with just a little bit of information about M&J. Who are your auditors? and we'll kind of move into do the audit opinion as well as kind of some of the highlights of the acter and then our required communications under government auditing standards and then we'll kind of do some highlights of the general financial information and then end with any questions or comments if you have any to begin with who is M&J we're a large regional regional southeastern firm we serve over 750 governmental clients and we have performed over 350 single audits within the last year four of which were for the city and then to kind of break down The first section is the introductory section which has your transmitt letter, organizational chart, directory of officials, and then the certificate of achievement um for excellence in financial reporting which the city did receive in 2024 and is applying for the 2025 act for as well. And then the next part is the financial section which kind of everybody kind of knows more as the financial statements which is the audit report, the MDMA as well as the financial statements and footnotes and then it wraps up with stats. Moving into the audit opinion, we did consider the internal control structure for the purpose of expressing our opinion. And then our audit was performed with generally accepted auditing standards and governmental auditing standards. And our objective is to provide reasonable um not absolute assurance that the financial statements are free of material misstatement. And then these financial statements are ultimately the responsibility of city's penment. And we are pleased to report that the city did receive an unmodified or clean opinion on the 2025 ACT for which is the highest form of assurance that we can render which means that these uh statements are presented fairly in accordance with accounting principles generally accept in the United States of America and our responsibility doesn't extend beyond those reports issued in the act

and there is a compliance report within the acter as well um going over the city's internal controls and compliance with laws and regulations and the important procedures performed are required by government standards and there were no current year findings for the 2025. And then as I kind of mentioned earlier for the single audits, the city did have um four single audits, there was approximately $8.6 million in federal and state expenditures in 2025 and the single audits covered approximately $5.4 million of those expenditures. And there also were no issues or findings noted with the single audits as well. And then to move into some of the required communications, um management is responsible for the selection and use of the accounting policies. The significant accounting policies by the city are laid out in no one of the financial statements. And then during the current year, there were no new accounting pronouncements that would have a major impact on how the financial statements appear. And the policies used by the city are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. And we did um consider the qualitative aspects of its policies. The city's not involved in any controversial or emerging issues for which there is no Gazby guidance. And then there were accounting estimates in the financial statements and they're used by management and are based on U management knowledge and experience and an example of this is the actuarial assumptions and then we did receive full cooperation from city's management staff CJ Debbie and the rest of the finance team did an awesome job getting us everything we need on a timely basis and we definitely understand forcing lots it was quite a bit of support needed for the audit but they did a great job getting it for us time and there also were no disagreements with management throughout the process. We did receive a management representation letter at the end of the audit process and the best of our knowledge um city management did not consult or opinion shop um with other accounting firms to try to get the best opinion on the financials and there were no significant issues or uncorrected or past adjustments. And then the footnote disclosures are an integral part of the financial statements used by management and they are neutral consistent clarity disclosures considered as part of the

audit process. And then wrap up. We are um independent in regards to the city and the financial reporting process for the 25 2025 act. And then we also do um have the ADNA in a PDF format for you to read all of our required communications to governance. And then just to summarize, there were no findings in 2025. At the end of the ADNA, there is a list of upcoming Gazby standards and pronouncements, but nothing that we see having a major impact on financial statements in the next few years.

Thank you all very much for your time. Did we have any questions? Commissioners, this item will appear on your consent agenda to actually accept the annual comprehensive financial report uh and the community redevelopment agency report for the year ending September 30th, 2025. That is item 10A on your agenda. Um I do want to thank Mr. Marlo and his team. Our fiscal year budget for fiscal year 25 was, I believe, just shy of $300 million. It's an awful lot that we have going on. Multiple enterprise proprietary funds, CRAAS, significant grant funds that come to the city. Um, and certainly would be remissed if I didn't give appreciation to Debbie Tate, uh, who works very closely with our auditors in, uh, in giving them everything they need. Uh, former CFO CJ Scott and the entire finance team. They've done a phenomenal job. And again, I believe this is uh, several years in a row that your opinion on audit has been a clean, unmodified opinion. So something to be very proud of.

Thank you. I'd like to express my thanks to staff as well for dotting every eye and crossing every tea in this. Um just a I think I know the answer to this, but just kind of a curiosity question. So on the accounting principles that were utilized and and the auditing principles that were utilized, those rules haven't really changed. Where I'm going with this is the state has essentially created their own auditing practices of Doge. And is Doge factoring into any independent auditing requests or are those strictly done by the state?

I believe those are done by the state. As far as my experience with clients I work with, they haven't had any reach out to us yet. I was just wondering if that has bled over into the accounting side at all for dotting eyes and crossing tees. It doesn't sound like it. Yeah. And they they will have some requests at some other cities I work with where they've had requests into finance, but um no full on audit which they requested information from us every every municipality

quite a ways ago and we never heard anything out. So, this just kind of ree emphasizes that the city of Winter Haven is spending the money properly, correctly, um, and efficiently when in question. Is that fair to say? Yes, sir.

Mr. Mr. Mayor, I would add that what we're looking for through the ACT for and Garrett, correct me if you feel differently, but that we are complying with generally accepted accounting standards and governmental accounting standards that we are in compliance with all the Gazsby pronouncements, which there are probably in excess of a hundred Gazsby pronouncements. most recent was 105.

And so those come out, you know, I'll say it because I'm not an accountant, but I think Gazsby at times is looking for ways to justify Gazsby's role and come up with more things that you need to report on. We are following all of the safety protocols and documentation and control measures that we have implemented for the city of Winter Haven that are in step with those standards. The audit is showing that yes, you are doing that. The Doge audits that were done um with various communities are are completely different from this. Those are more about philosophical use of funds and where those dollars are being spent and where there is perceived waste in investments or in and I say investments into capital projects or programs and the like. So two different animals all in all.

For sure. Yeah. And I was like I was just curious kind of like is that world starting to blend over and it doesn't doesn't sound like it. That's a good thing. And the fact that, you know, we've again got a a clean bill of health here, like you say, I mean, in my experience with audits, auditors have to, and no offense, auditors have to find something to justify their job, right? That's what you're paid to do is to find something. But we're good, right?

We we'll keep you hired. I'm not th I'm not but you know the the point is staff is doing it right and they're being responsible with this with uh with the public's funds and we have had comments in the past in in our acer of if something was um when it was acred and when it was posted in years past and those were corrections that we've had to make you know from years past but I do believe that for the the past definitely the past two years it's been a clean opinion. I think perhaps the um the f the first one under under my term as city manager we had one finding would have come from fiscal year that ended September 30, 2022. Um and that was immediately corrected and protocols implemented to ensure that that was not a recurring issue. comments from the commission.

Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Okay, we've got no developments of note. We've got no minutes to review. So, we'll move on to comments from the audience. I do have two individuals who uh signed up um to speak. So, now's the opportunity to do that. unless you want to speak on a specific item within the agenda. If that's the case, then hang out until that uh comes up. If not, now's your opportunity to speak. Um, and we'll go to I'm just going to say Miss Skipper. Is it is it Vesta?

Vista. Vista. Sorry. If you'll give us your name and address for the record, you have five minutes.

Good evening. My name is Vista Skipper, 880 Reflection Sloop East. Winter Haven, Florida 33884. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for their concerns, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Good evening. Today I stand on behalf of Mr. John Ruffen, who's not able to be here tonight, the president of the Poke County Concerned Citizens and Florida Concerned Citizens. And I also stand on behalf of myself as a resident. And so I have four concerns that I'd like to share. The first is um recently I had the fabulous opportunity to be at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and what I noticed was a sign that said Cypress Gardens. And while it's been shared with me the rationale for the Cypress Gardens sign as a historical marker, it's concerning that geographically that area is not Cypress Gardens. The other thing that concerned me was that sign was significantly larger than the marker or the little mini wall that says Dr. Martin Luther King. So if I was driving and I wasn't aware, it would be very difficult to see. So I ask for concern in terms of the consideration of putting

a larger sign more significant so that we document the historical marker in terms of a signage so citizens coming new and our children and all can see the greatness in terms of that beautiful um park that we have there. It concerns me that Cypress is there because we have a Cypress Gardens and we have a Cypress Gardens Boulevard and it is a historical thing as well and I understand it's used once a month for skiing, but it still is a little quirky for it to be there rather than somewhere else. The second concern tonight, um, we've had citizens to apply for positions and human resources has sent them letters thanking them for their interview and that was in terms of the facility manager position and supervisor three positions and those persons were never interviewed. So it concerns me because those persons were eagerly interested and felt very confident that they were qualified received a letter as if they were considered and have not. So is there a possibility to try to rectify that or bring that to some understanding? The third concern, I was very happy and proud a couple of years ago with our city when it was announced that we would be um rebuilding, remodeling, bringing Northeast complex, the cultural center to a new edifice. Citizens and town halls and church members, we were all invited. We collaborated, brainstormed, did visioning and all type of things that showed a unified city. It was

shared that when it was time to find the leader and um the persons who would be operating the facility, just as we had had those town halls and conversations and many different persons, stakeholders coming to the floor that the visioning of characteristics and those type of needs for that area. we'd have an opportunity not that we would pick or choose but input the value of that area would be taken to place. So to hear that eight months ago a person was selected has not been shared or celebrated with us the citizens and we will only get to meet that person on April 30th as a community announcement just sort of is a little disheartening which goes to the fourth concern well where I was asked to ask if the city the commissioners you would consider a town hall two one for the city of Winter Haven to hear our concerns and one intentionally in the Florence Villa area because citizens have concerns with the discrepancy. Thank you. Thank you.

I have another individual who signed up to speak and that is Miss Ernestine Davis. Miss Davis, you have uh give your name and address for the record and you have five minutes. understand that it is 379 but dry. I have a question I wanted to ask about um the um the business. Um I um visit a couple of business and I was thinking they supposed to have a a bathroom for the customers. So, I'm asking, do all business supposed to have restroom for customers?

Mr. Lobby, you want to

I'll have to consult with my building official, but I believe that the Florida Building Code in its current and in history in, you know, in recent past, yes, requires a restroom. It doesn't necessarily have to be open to the public is my understanding. And now there there are probably also exemptions for um buildings that were constructed and occupied and continuously utilized since before that requirement was in the Florida building code. I can I can confirm that with a discussion with my building official, but it's my understanding that if business has a bathroom, they don't necessarily have to open it up to the public is my understanding.

That help answer your question for now? Excuse me. Did that help answer your question for now? I can read. Let me reiterate.

So, he's needs to double check with the code and the bu and the appropriate building official on that question. However, the belief is that you have to have a restroom. It does not have to necessarily be open to the public. And we'll clarify that and get the right answers for you. Okay. I don't have anyone else that has signed up this evening. However, if anyone else wishes to speak, now is the opportunity to do so. Is there anyone else that would like to speak? Seeing none, we'll move on to ordinance's second reading. We've got ordinance uh 0-26-10. City attorney by title only, please.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ordinance number 0-26-10, an ordinance amending chapter 21 of the code of ordinances of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, by reszoning two parcels from commercial highway C3 zoning district to mixeduse MX zoning district, providing for the administrative correction of scriveners errors, repealing all ordinances in conflict with and providing an effective date, general location 120 and 124 Avenue H southeast. The area covered by this request is 0.30 plus or minus acres. Thank you. city attorney or city manager, excuse me.

Mayor and commissioners Langley G, who is in the audience this evening, is requesting the city resone two parcels from commercial highway C3 zoning district to mixeduse zoning district. This is the fourth time inclusive of the agenda reviews that this item has come to you. Again, the parcels are depicted by the red boxes on the slide that appears before you. The eastern parcel contains a single family home constructed in 1932. The western parcel is vacant and has been for at least 20 years. The petition the petitioner proposes to construct a duplex on that vacant parcel which the MX zoning district does permit. In addition, the single family home located at the 124 Avenue H Southeast address currently operates as a legal non-conforming use. Reszoning the property from C3 to MX would bring the existing single family residence into compliance as a permitted use. All notifications uh requirements for this request were met. The planning commission heard this at its March 3rd, 2026 regular meeting and voted its recommended recommended be presented to you uh for approval. No members of the public spoke at that meeting. At this time, staff is recommending the city commission approve ordinance 026-10 on second and final reading. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, commissioners. Mr. Mayor, yes. Move approval of all Miss O 2610 on second reading. Public hearing. Thank you. Motion has been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Any further discussion or questions on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. Oppose like sign. Motion carries. Mr. Mayor, I would like to point out Mr. G has come to every meeting concerning this property. So he has. Thank you for being engaged, sir. Thank you, sir, for developing it. Yes.

Okay. Ordinance O-26-13, amending ordinance 0-25-29, city attorney by title only, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ordinance number 0-26-13 an ordinance of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, amending ordinance number 0-25-29 regarding appropriation of funds for defraying expenses of the municipal government of the city of Winter Haven for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025, providing for severability and for the administrative correction of scriveners errors and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Thank you, city manager,

mayor and commissioners. In 2024, the construction commenced on the primary phase of Chain of Lakes Park phase 2, which was opened earlier this year. The fieldhouse northwest parking lot has not been resurfaced in more than 20 years. It is the only asphalt uh infrastructure at that entire complex that has not been touched through either the fieldhouse or the chain of lakes park phase 2 projects. Due to cost savings realized within the phase two project along with current savings in the parks and recreation operating budget, there is an opportunity to engage the existing contractor rod of construction to complete the resurfacing while they remain mobilized on site. A budget amendment is required to authorize additional expenditures and the funding sources. The requested amount will transfer $110,000 from the general fund to the construction fund for the proposed change order in the amount of $29,914. Again, we are only transferring 110,000 of that amount. This transfer is a result of savings in parks and grounds at $30,000, aquatics operations at $40,000, and fieldhouse operations at $40,000. The balance of the change order totaling $99,914 is available from cost savings realized during the chain of lakes phase 2 contract. Staff recommends the city commission approve ordinance 02613 on second and final reading and authorize the city manager or designate assign all documents and take all necessary action related there too. Thank you.

Thank you commissioners. Mr. Mayor, yes. Move approval of ordinance 2613 on second reading public hearing. Thank you. Commot Motion has been made. We'll close the commission meeting. Open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Any further discussion on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I. I oppose like sign. Motion carries. Consent agenda. Mr. Mayor, yes. Move approval of the consent agenda in this entire.

Thank you. Motion's been made to approve the consent agenda. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to any item listed in the consent agenda? Seeing none, we'll reopen the commission meeting. All those in favor of the consent agenda signify by saying I. I. Oppose. Like sign. Motion carries. We've got no resolutions and we do have a first reading tonight. So, ordinance O-26-14, city attorney by title only, please.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ordinance number 0-26-14, an ordinance of the city of Winterhaven, Florida, amending ordinance number 0-25-29 regarding appropriation of funds for the defaying expenses of the municipal government of the city of Winter Haven for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025, providing for severability for the administrative correction of scriven errors, and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Thank you, city manager.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Winter Haven Regional Airport terminal was constructed in 2008 and has some needs for interior rehabilitation. Um, we had not included carpet replacement in some of the interior improvements that were budgeted for this current year. These are original carpets in many of the areas that are not of other surfaces in that terminal. February of 2026, the city selected Ascent Aviation Group as its primary fuel provider. As part of that agreement, Ascent Aviation Group provided a $50,000 business development grant for additional facility improvements. Those funds were received February 27th of this year. Airport staff proposed using a portion of those funds to install new carpeting in the terminal that complements the updated paint scheme that was recently completed. Envirro Build LLC currently holds a continuing contract with the city for licensed building contractor services and has submitted a quote for $34,280 to replace that carpeting. This is a budget amendment uh that's required to authorize the additional expenditure in the funding source. Uh the requested amendment will recognize $34,280 of fuel commission revenue to fund the carpet installation. So again, a budget amendment to move those funds. Staff recommends city commission advance ordinance 02614 to second reading at your next meeting upon which we'll also recommend authorization for the city manager or designate to sign all documents and take all necessary actions related there too. There's no action required this evening other than to advance it to second reading. Thank you.

Thank you, city manager. So, no vote tonight. We will have a second reading on May the 11th. With that, we've got no other first readings. Uh no new business. So, we'll move on to city commissioners liaison reports. Uh, we'll go to Commissioner Davis. Sure.

It's been a busy couple weeks. Uh, we had the Southeastern University ribbon cutting that was very well intended and I enjoyed the enthusiasm that Southeastern has embracing Winter Haven and likewise Winter Haven embracing Southeastern. I also attended um Sun and Fun. They had the the fundraiser, the Bash. I I attended that first time. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed that evening as well as attending Sun and Fun in general. Um, and I understand we did a lot of help assisting with our our staff as volunteers and at the airport. Um, very successful event this year. I have had a couple of orientation sessions with our staff. Um, continuing those. Um, I have I think we have a few more coming up, but I again I'm I'm just really uh impressed by our staff and and our departments and and how well the city is is uh managed and working. Um, we had the Winter Haven Chamber lunchon with 610's presentation on what's new and what's next. I thought they did a great job um sharing with the community some of the projects we have on the forefront. Uh, we had the tennis center renaming ceremony after former mayor Brad Dancler. Um, we also had the celebration of life for his mother, Clarinel. And then finally, the Pulk State Galla last week. So, very busy couple weeks. Um, I'm I'm still enjoying it. I'm still here. Um, and uh, with that, that's all I got.

Thank you, Commissioner Dalton.

Yes. Not to be redundant, but uh, I did attend the Leo conference. Uh, very insightful. Really enjoyed this year's conference. People have really great leadership throughout our nation. Also, fair housing seminar was able to attend and good information was shared. Uh certainly appreciated just being updated as to uh you know what what that whole just understanding fair housing and how laws basic are structured in such a way so that uh individuals are are not taken advantage of. was able to uh go to the PD for cookout and uh enjoy the hamburgers and hot dogs there. Y'all can do that anytime. I'll come back. Enjoy that so much. Uh also the uh chamber lunchon 6 as mentioned was very very very good. I enjoyed that and renaming the tennis center. Certainly honored to be a part of that as well being able to share of course able to to attend the state of our county. Uh was done in a little different format this year. I appreciate, you know, what they did from a historical standpoint and also more of a video presentation. I think we're kind of uh was a little challenging because the questions were kind of the end. Everybody was kind of ready to leave. So that was another part of it. So didn't have the interaction that I think it had in the past. So I'm sure they perhaps may revisit that consider that aspect of it. Um the uh folk state night uh legacy uh gala was uh as it has been elegant and

very very just very well attended and just a nice event. also the uh the memorial service for cla and uh was a great homegoing celebration and also um I was really impressed with uh tonight you know South State uh building downtown is uh quite amazing you know you look at that whole count there and uh to see what the rendering of that that will look like I mean that that's that's really upscale and uh and to know that South State is is such a significant uh financial institution you know throughout the state of Florida and the nation and they're headquartered right downtown Winter Haven I mean that's that's a big deal and uh so I think that uh John is doing a great job I actually met him many years ago did finance it on our church years ago. So, uh he was with a different bank at the time, of course. U but also wanted to uh share that we will be celebrating our I think it's 31st annual heritage day celebrating unity in our community downtown Winter Haven on Saturday and uh we're excited uh just about coming together to uh just be able to do this again u in this area and and of course downtown partnership we have with the city working with us. We know that some new laws have been passed and we're not sure how those are going to impact things going forward with regards to u you know diversity and equity. You know now it's kind of a word that they don't want to be uttered anymore but uh I know that there will be some repercussions behind that. I think we'll have to look

at how that will be uh dealt with I guess going forward even as a body. So I would invite everyone to come certainly be a part of the great celebration of heritage in our community. I think it is fact truth of the matter is our diversity is what makes us very unique and makes us a great nation as well as a great city. Um also wanted to kind of get I didn't hear anything about the fails. So any update on that wonder if there was any give us an idea. I haven't heard them yet. I haven't I saw part of it. I haven't had a chance to go down, but I know it's actually in place. So, if somebody give me a little update, I'd appreciate know that.

So, I can do that uh quickly. The um the bell tower is installed. All the power is run. The bells are ringing um on an intermittent kind of schedule. At this point, uh I'm not 100% c what that schedule is. I can tell you I've heard them chime on the half hour. Mr. Mercer, you I don't know if you've heard them chime or actually play. I think it's like 8:30. That's the first one.

So, the the intent, Commissioner Dawson, and for the commission as a whole, um is to get everything kind of worked out with that and then put them to a more regular schedule. Um there is still construction work going on around the carolon. I observed yesterday that the columns are up. The knee wall is up and all the bricks are to that. The pa walkway approaching it is yet to be done as is the metal fencing that will protect that. in speaking with staff who has certainly been heavily engaged with the donor, Mr. Thomas Old. Uh the intent is to do a formal dedication of that facility, that uh installation sometime in the fall. Um that was done in recognition and in honor and remembrance of several of his family members. And he'd like to have the opportunity for other family members to be present for that and make it somewhat of an event. So I anticipate that will be forthcoming with more information.

Is that when it will be promoted or full presentation

that that at that time everything from uh where the bells came from and the influence of that and how the carolon works and the history and and so on um with them actually playing. I don't know what that event will look like just yet. I do know that that carolon has the capacity to be played from a keyboard. Um, different yet not dissimilar to what you would have at Block Tower, which is played by a caroliner. Um, so we're trying to figure out exactly what that's going to look like, but you will hear those bells certainly on Saturday when you're down there with your event. Um, and throughout the days they are they are chiming. Are we going to promote that in some other way in terms of

Yes, sir. is the only one in Well, certainly other than Bach Tower, it's the only one that I know of. Um, there are others within the state of Florida. There is one on the campus of the University of Tampa. I believe there is one in Vero Beach area. I'm not sure where else beyond that. I don't know, Mr. Mayor, to be honest with you. They very well could being a historic site. Commissioner BS.

All right. I'll start off by saying the uh appreciation of the police department was good. It was so good. I went for the second day. So,

I went both days. Uh thoroughly enjoyed it. It's just great that we now have a uh full-fledged uh university in downtown Winter Haven. And it's my understanding that they're actually going to start classes in the fall. So that's uh that's great for Winter Haven downtown. U attended the Advent Health. They have a uh a clinic on Cypress Gardens Boulevard just u east of the ER. And so I was sort of perplexed by that. But they know they say what they said is they want people to go to the clinic and not go to the ER. So let the ER be for true uh emergencies. um attended the uh pension uh board meeting and uh we've had our last year was really a great year as it relates to returns and they said the actuar was there and he stated that uh it's probably time again to review the um assumption you know the of the rate of return on the assumption we reduced it at one time I think it was as much as uh close to 8% or 9% or something like that and we reduced it to uh it's down now to what six and three quarters I think it is

six and a half

six and a half okay so it says it's time to to actually go through a study and and we will decide whether or not we want to uh reduce it again but u some great results. Uh the celebration of life for Brad Mama was uh touching and u she's going to be missed and uh attended the Pope State Legacy uh banquet which is always good since they brought it back. And um finally uh it was really a pleasure to be at the naming of the tennis center in honor of uh Brad Dancler. And u it's just good that that facility is uh really one of the best facilities not just in the county but in the state. So kudos to the staff. And finally, you know, thing about an audit, you know, it's to have a good audit is more than a notion. I mean, but we are so blessed to have the staff and systems in place that that is actually what's happening with us. So, I just want to our city manager and our former uh finance director. She's gone. But uh it's really something you all I've been up here long enough to know where that was not always the case. And so uh I just want to publicly say we up here we really do appreciate you all and we know

what a clean audit is. So that's it. Mayor Per Mercer.

Yes. Um I attended most everything that everybody else, but I'll quickly run through those. Um the Southeast University campus ribbon cutting. Um it makes you kind of feel right at home there. I would have, you know, thought that Pope State would have been, but I think the dedication and everything that Southeast shown, um I think it's going to be a great been a great time for students here. Um also the um I attended the press conference um of Governor Ronda Santis um at the two 250 year um with United States as a nation. Um so uh he um was at the Bach Tower and he unveiled Kevin Culage because Kevin Culage in his term of president presidency had unveiled or the um he had dedicated block tower at that time. So um also the sun and fun uh aerospace center for excellence the fundraising part two um I was there uh I did the pension board for both police and fire and it's a quarterly update and he already gave you the good news. because he's got the general fund attention. Um the tennis center renaming of course naturally the ceremony after Brad um probably very well deserved. He was on the board and everything of that and you know and it's a real beautiful center there. Um uh the tennis center um I said that uh the night of legacy at Poke State um

attended that and then the memorial service for Mrs. stands for and I'd like to say on the audit too um my appreciation goes to everyone because everyone has to work for that and um so not only you know in finance but everyone has to hold do their part for that. Um and it's very not very often that you get no comments. Usually you get some small ones, little ones, sometimes you get big ones, but you know, um, and but to not get any, it's a record, so you could be very proud of that. And I think that's about all I have.

Okay, just a couple items. Um, so first to our new CFO, got good news and I got bad news for you. standards are high, but you're going to do a phenomenal job. I have no doubt. So, thank you. Um, at risk of duplicating everything that was mentioned tonight, I'll I'll forego that and just um bring a couple concerns that I have. Um, so the HR letters thing that concerns me. I know there's two sides to it. I've never applied for a city job, so I don't know what the practice is there. I I haven't seen a letter. So, um, but I know we'll we'll

that's a that's an internal control piece that I've already spoken with HR on of individuals that were alternates on an interview listing and when the letters went out, they weren't separated out by the alternates from the typically when we look at applications, we're looking at if you have a hundred applications on there, you're separating out your your highest level in there. If you get through that list and you don't have a selected applicant, you have an alternate list and they happen to be on the same list and it was simply an error internally. Um I'm aware of one of those letters that went out. Um we've put a control on that for within uh department departmental operations and all departments as well as through HR to ensure that we catch that that that doesn't happen.

Great. Thank you.

Um several several months back we I had some dialogue here after I had a meeting uh with some of the representatives of the Winter Haven Youth Football Organization out at Sertoma. Uh, I had another brief update with them today and I just kind of wanted to see if I could get a couple of updates um on some of the happenings out there at at Certoma if possible. And if not, you know, we can you can feel free to table these and we'll circle back um at another at the next uh agenda review meeting perhaps. Um, I had mentioned one thing was the demo of the uh the storage building out there really was a health hazard if if if nothing else. I wasn't sure where we were at in the stages of the de demolition of that building and then obviously we'll need to to build something to replace it. Um, I also brought up the fact of, you know, volunteers primarily run and operate youth sports organizations and over the years we've had things such as, you know, city league basketball and and numerous other obviously STOMA baseball and it's always dependent upon primarily parents of athletes, right? that that's who's got to step up. And when you when you have a shift and and those kids get older and those parents say, "I just I don't have the time." I mean, I I can speak from personal experience on that. I I coached my son's youth soccer team uh for a number of years. I played in city league youth basketball a generation ago. Um and I saw those changes happen then and you know I I wasn't sure you know from

the dialogue that we had at that that meeting I I still feel like you know almost a youth sports zar if you will is appropriate to have a a a primary conduit for youth sp sport sports in Winter Haven. While I understand we, you know, have the chain of lakes field and we cater primarily to outside tournaments. I worry about kids getting left behind that are local kids that, you know, live right here every day in the in the city limits or the the outskirts of the city of Winter Haven. and just trying to figure out a a way to organize youth sports so that ultimately you don't have large entities come in and say, "Well, I'm the flame flaming elite basketball team and you know, they're going to charge an exorbitant fee and not all kids are going to be able to participate in that." And then finally, um I wasn't sure is does a master plan exist for Certoma? So we've done multiple things out there, multiple updates for the offices for the baseball facilities. We're in the process of updating the some of the football facilities out there. I know that there's a potential chance to expand Sertoma Park to some degree, but what do you do next if you're able to do that? Is there a master plan that we can look to as the direction of this is where we want Sertoma to go?

That's all. Okay, I'll try. Can I respond to those, please?

Thank you, sir. Um, with respect to what's happening at Certoma Park with demo the storage building and improvements otherwise on the football side of the house, I'm going to have to defer to our our facilities oversight group within parks and recreation. I apologize they're not with us this evening, but I will tell you that we have been working to try and acquire additional property adjacent to Certtoma Park. Um, that's a little challenging given just how that the ownership of that property and and some some of the dynamics with it. Um, I'm hopeful that that can come to be and we could use parks and recreation impact fees towards that because it's an expansion of the facility and that would give us a lot of opportunity to do some additional work out there. In our budget over the past several years since 2018, we have one mill that has been set aside for capital improvements. I don't have the budget in front of me, but as I recall, in the next year, we have funding, the first investment of some funds into Sertoma Park, specific to the football side of the house. There is a master plan that was done several years back that focused in on paving uh parking facilities and and some of the storm water enhancements. And I don't know if this was when you were on the commission, Mayor Yates, or if it was prior to, but in working with the uh the youth baseball organizers, the big push was don't put the money into that, put it into the fields, which

as you know, we did a significant reinvestment into the fields and into that main center building, redid the entire T-ball facilities and the like. um that probably needs to be updated. I don't believe it has been updated to reflect the potential of additional lands and such. Um but we can certainly look into that and bring that back in response to the youth sports oversight. So we have primary user agreements with every one of our youth sports entities that occupies our facilities. Hoops Haven does our basketball program for us. Warriors volleyball runs a youth volleyball program. Greater Winter Haven Youth Baseball, Winter Haven Youth Football, Winter Haven Youth Soccer, the Blue Marlin swim team, the Winter uh the Winter Haven Wolverines, uh football, baseball, cheerleading program. Those are all set up as um primary users of very specific facilities to deliver youth recreation both on the competitive side and on just the recreational. I want to learn how to participate in that activity. Um we those are all coordinated through parks and recreation. Scott Eers's assistant director spends a significant amount of time coordinating with those groups. Um he is a certified youth sports administrator certified on the national level for that very specific purpose. And I would also tell you that we are in the process of interviewing in the coming weeks I believe for the recreation division manager position. That is a position that we added into our organization for this fiscal year being the first time.

Um, part of the intent with that is also to further our efforts in that regard and also identify additional opportunities that may not exist today. Youth golf programs through our golf course. We have we have a very robust youth tennis program with Dave Saltman at the tennis courts. But there are other activities that also want you know we may not we may be missing the mark on and not just for youth but also for adults. So we um I know that within the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center and at the Fieldhouse they're beginning to explore adult basketball leagues, lunchtime, you know, uh older adult programs if I should be so bold. um things like ultimate frisbee and soccer programs and things like that. So, it's not just in our youth area that we we want to expand those, but also in the adults. And I think that there is good coordination there. Now, we um when youth foot when greater Winter Haven Youth Football came back and that program was it had one foot in the grave and these fine men and women stepped in and said, "We want to revive this, but we need help." uh we stepped in and provided a significant uh investment into the equipment needed to to make that program happen and we look forward to continuing that relationship with them. You are correct. Those programs depend heavily upon parents. Um the alternative is you run them entirely internally and the cost you bear 100% of it because it's no longer volunteer and and that becomes quite costly particularly a time when we're trying to be as fiscally responsible as we can. uh our approach has been we will invest in the facilities and provide the support

to maintain the facilities and they run the program uh with oversight and support from us. So I will get you uh some updates on the youth football side of things and bring that back. Yeah. And I don't want to be necessar misunderstood. I'm not suggesting we go and and staff these organizations and staff coaching and staff but just really just that organizational metrics. So, a good example is, you know, at some point these folks that were generous enough with their time to start Winter Haven Youth Football or or or get that back out of the grave, they're going to be done. And so, in that instance, you know, got to have some succession planning with

Yeah. Exactly. And who is that organizing body to make it an easy process, you know, with with limited help from the city, but but some help there along the way. Appreciate it. Understood. All right. Uh, city attorney. Thank you. Nothing tonight. City manager.

Several items for you this evening, mayor and commissioners. Um, just looking ahead. First of all, I want to again recognize uh our chief financial officer, Mr. Chris Reer. uh flew back into town earlier this afternoon from a college uh uh trip with his daughter. Um I understand a phenomenal softball player who's been scholarships to a university. Uh but he came back for this evening to hear this audit report and yes it is high expectations but I also know that Mr. reader is more than capable of making sure that we continue on that pathway and we're super excited to welcome to him to his first full commission meeting. Um I also want to take a moment to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Agular who are with us this evening. They are attending uh they are enrolled in the current city of Winter Haven public safety leadership council and one of the requirements of that is that they attend a city commission meeting. So, um, thank you for being here this evening. Thank you for participating in that program. And commissioners, thank you for being on your best behavior while we have guests with us this evening.

You call this our best behavior tonight? I'll take what I can get. Um, this Wednesday, I'm sorry, this Thursday, make sure you have on your calendar that we will do the official ribbon cutting and dedication of the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center. That is at 5:00 p. p.m. on April 30th. That's Thursday, obviously, at the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center. I would encourage you to arrive in advance of 5:00 pm. we will kick off at that time. So, look forward to celebrating that with you all. um reminder that on the following day, should you be so inclined, sometimes this uh maybe slips through, but we have a new employee orientation on May 1st, that is Friday, and on occasion, some of you have joined us for the lunchon portion of that to meet some of the new faces that have joined our team. That lunchon is at 10 be arrival is at 10:45 at the women's club. If any of you are in the area and would like to stop by, we'd be happy to accommodate you for that and introduce you to them and likewise them to you. On May 6th, this should also be on your calendar. Just a reminder that that is the Girls Inc. lunchon to celebrate the She Knows Where She's Going Awards. I believe that is at the Ritz Theater this year and we have uh procured an opportunity for you all to attend that should you be available to and I believe it's on your calendars if you're unable if you could just let Amanda Joe Nicholson know so we can make accommodations to fill those seats otherwise. And then the last thing I wanted to

mention MJ Carnival Katrina Hill and myself met briefly today to begin nailing down your agenda for Washington DC. Um that trip is on Tuesday, May 12th. Uh it is a very early early flight as you may recall. Um so hopefully on the 11th we don't stay too awful late with the city commission because I believe you're going to have a 400 am start.

Uh The agenda upon arrival in Washington DC starts when our feet hit the ground and will go the full day and all day on Wednesday and even a meeting on Thursday morning before we get on a plane to come home. The agenda is being finalized as we speak and I expect to be able to provide that to you along with Mr. Carnival and Mrs. Hill at your next agenda review. All of your accommodations and travel has been accounted for and we're just putting the final touches with our lobbying team in DC of what those meetings look like. Um I believe that is everything I have for you this evening. Thank you.

Thank you. Deputy city members. Nothing this evening, sir. Thank you, city clerk. for me. With that, how about we call it a night? We're ajourned.