A primary point of discussion was the proposed amendments related to utility rates for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services. The City Manager presented a comprehensive study conducted by Raap Tellis Consultants, recommending a revision of the city’s rate schedule. The plan proposed an annual increase of 2.5% for water service and 7.5% for sewer service over a five-year period, with additional charges for high water users. Starting in 2029, the ordinance included automatic annual increases without further public hearings. This proposal aimed to meet projected revenue requirements and fund capital improvement projects, particularly those associated with the Polk Regional Water Cooperative.

A resident, Victoria del Castillo, voiced her concerns about the water quality and the rate hikes. She highlighted her belief that fluoride in the city water is harmful, stating, “I learned in 2020 that fluoride is a neurotoxin… it creates dementia and Alzheimer’s.” She questioned the sources of Winter Haven’s water and the implications of the proposed rate increases. The City Manager clarified that the city obtains water from both the upper and lower aquifers and planned to shift towards sourcing more water from the lower aquifer to meet demand. Despite del Castillo’s concerns, the staff maintained that the adjustments were essential for maintaining city infrastructure and services. The second reading of the utility rate ordinance was set for September 10.

Another topic was Ordinance 02-2432, which aimed to support the development of affordable housing and clean up existing language in the city code. The discussion included inquiries about the reservation of infrastructure capacity and its implications on affordable housing. Commissioners discussed whether the Planning Commission should be allowed to adopt bylaws independently or with city commission oversight. It was agreed that the Planning Commission may adopt bylaws that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the code and that have been approved by the city commission. The ordinance, with the clarified language, was adopted.

Resolutions R 2435 and R 2437 pertained to the Harmony on Lake Eloise subdivision. Resolution R 2435 involved the approval of a final plat for Harmony on Lake Eloise Phase 3A, a 3319-acre subdivision with five common lots but no building lots. The City Manager confirmed that the subdivision dedicates a 100-foot right-of-way for the realignment of West Lake Eloise Drive and that a performance bond of $3,380,221 had been submitted to cover remaining infrastructure costs. There were no public comments, and the resolution was adopted without opposition.

Resolution R 2437 confirmed the acceptance of improvements and infrastructure for Harmony on Lake Eloise Phase 2, a 47.7-acre subdivision with 144 building lots. The City Manager explained that all water and sewer lines would be maintained by the city, while internal roadways and drainage would be maintained by the Harmony on Lake Eloise Community Development District. After addressing public concerns, the resolution was adopted.

Another major discussion revolved around the financial support for the Fieldhouse and Conference Center project. The City Manager noted that this funding would require an amendment to an existing interlocal agreement with Polk County, increasing the contribution from $10 million to $12 million. The amendment is being drafted by the city attorney and will be submitted to the county’s legal team. It was expected that the amendment would be approved without issues.

Public comments included concerns from resident Ernestine Davis about the condition of the restrooms at Lake M Park and the incomplete fencing around Ruben Williams Park. City representatives assured her that all phases of development at Ruben Williams Park were complete and fully operational, but committed to follow up on her concerns.

The meeting also touched on Ordinance O-2436, relating to the amendment of the 2035 Winter Haven Comprehensive Plan to facilitate development on a specific parcel. This ordinance proposed changing the future land use from neighborhood support to suburban designation, and the zoning change to multifamily residential low density. The parcel, measuring 3.68 acres and located at the northeast corner of Buckeye Loop Road and Palm Nut Drive, remains undeveloped under the current zoning. The City Manager noted that the proposed changes are intended to facilitate development on the site.