The commission unanimously adopted Resolution R2452, which appointed Ed Smith to the affordable housing advisory committee. The appointment was necessary following the resignation of a previous member. This decision underscored the city’s ongoing efforts to address affordable housing challenges, a issue in many communities. The resolution passed without any public dissent, signaling broad support for Smith’s appointment and the continued focus on affordable housing initiatives.

The meeting then shifted its attention to recommendations from the grant and aid application review committee, a subject that prompted extensive discussion. These recommendations are set to influence how the city manages its grant applications for fiscal year 2026, an important component of the city’s financial planning. The committee proposed changes, including allowing a two-week window for correcting application deficiencies and eliminating the $40,000 single initiative funding category. This category had been deemed impractical due to the high volume of applications from nonprofit organizations.

The City Manager facilitated the discussion by explaining the committee’s rationale and seeking guidance from the commission on handling funding requests from schools and organizations with established foundations. The commission agreed to vote on the first two recommendations immediately, which pertained to the application timeline and the elimination of the funding category, while deferring further discussions on school and foundation funding requests to a future workshop.

Victoria del Castillo, a local resident, raised questions during the public hearing about the source of funding for the grants and the rationale behind the $40,000 funding category. Her inquiries highlighted community interest in the fiscal management and equitable distribution of city resources. The Mayor clarified that the $40,000 category was originally intended for capital investments but had not been effectively utilized, as evidenced by the historical awards that peaked at $45,000 to the Boys and Girls Club, a legacy agency.

Training sessions for applicants are scheduled to be announced in early January.

In other business, the commission addressed several ordinances, including those related to land use and zoning designations. A notable ordinance involved the rezoning of a parcel on Country Club Road South from planned unit development (PUD) to single-family residential large lot (R-1) zoning. The petitioner intends to develop estate-sized lots, removing previous commercial uses. The Planning Commission had approved this request, which was slated for a second reading on December 9.

Additionally, the commission considered an expansion of the Peace Creek Village Community Development District (CDD), which proposes adding 84.75 acres to the existing 95.38-acre development. The expansion would enhance infrastructure improvements without imposing financial responsibilities on the city, as the CDD board would manage and maintain all internal infrastructure. The petitioner requested consent for special powers related to parks and recreational facilities, with assurances that the city’s financial interests would remain protected.

The commission also discussed Ordinance 0-24-55, which involved annexing an 8.64-acre parcel on Sage Road into Winter Haven’s corporate limits. The city manager confirmed no changes since the first reading, and the commission adopted the ordinance unanimously after a public hearing devoid of comments.

As the meeting progressed to commissioner reports, several commissioners shared their recent engagements within the community. One commissioner reported attending an electric vehicle show, a groundbreaking ceremony at Polk State College, and a fundraiser for the GiveWell Foundation. Another mentioned participating in a parks and recreation cultural master planning meeting and a banquet for Heart for Winter Haven, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.