Top on the agenda was the rezoning of a portion of a parcel from single-family residential to multifamily residential low density, which could lead to the development of 132 units, increasing the existing capacity by 88 units. While the Planning Commission recommended approval, public concerns were voiced regarding road access, drainage, and the development’s proximity to single-family homes. Staff concluded that the rezoning was consistent with the comprehensive plan.

Adjustmentsttention was given to the infrastructure projects. The grant from Swift Mud was discussed, focusing on the development of a surface and groundwater model for the One Water Master Plan. This initiative aims to integrate surface waters with groundwaters to better understand future aquifer recharge. Additionally, the construction of the Cypresswood and Pard Road water plants and the police department roof replacement were topics of presentation. The estimated cost for the roof replacement was $292,900, with a budget amendment proposed to account for additional revenue earnings.

The potential transfer of Lake Road from the county to the city was recommended, with concerns cited about the need to finish the road to alleviate traffic pressure on a nearby school. Residents’ apprehensions about the road passing behind their homes and potential traffic impact on the elementary school were noted. Future alternatives and traffic solutions, including the development of a middle school on vacant land south of Chain Lakes Elementary School, were discussed.

Parking facilities for an elementary school to address congestion on County Road 653 were also highlighted. Alongside, an offensive road name change, the transfer of city-owned parcels to the Department of Transportation, and economic development potential in the area were debated. Maintenance issues and Code Compliance fines were brought up, as well as a grant agreement for a complete street project on Avenue C Southeast aimed at enhancing safety for school-age children.

Another point of discussion was the amendment to the comprehensive plan regarding septic systems. The amendment proposes that any residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional use located immediately adjacent or within 200 feet of a sanitary sewer pressure or vaculine must connect to sewer. New septic system setbacks near water bodies and policies supporting capital project planning were also included. With the potential project near Lake Hartridge mentioned, the Commission discussed prioritizing septic to sewer projects, and efforts to secure state grant funds for the project were noted.

The Commission addressed the release of the performance bond for the Peace Creek Preserve subdivision after inspections confirmed the completion of required improvements. The scheduling of the second meeting in May was agreed upon to fall on the following Tuesday due to Memorial Day, with the decision to forego the agenda review meeting on the evening of high school graduation. The closing of Grant Aid applications with 51 received, including 19 first-time and 24 returning applications, was announced. The Grant Aid team planned to discuss the funding of large applications in light of the high number received.

The grant committee is set to convene on May 9th to review grant applications, with recommendations to follow in June, focusing on community needs such as housing and quality of life. The commission acknowledged the committee’s work and discussed organizations that did not reapply for funding. A special initiative for housing needs by Heart for Winter Haven, targeting families with school-aged children, was mentioned. The debate on the zoning of a property for affordable housing or regular apartments, the Ritz Theater purchase negotiations, including price and use agreement discussions, and board commitment, were provided as updates.