The most notable outcome from the meeting was the council’s approval of a proposal from the Rotary Club of Sebring to construct a public restroom facility in downtown Sebring. The facility, set to be part of the Rotary Club’s 100th-anniversary celebration, will be located on a city-owned parcel behind the Circle Theater, which currently serves as a small parking lot. The proposed design includes men’s and women’s restrooms, baby changing stations, and features ensuring accessibility. The estimated cost of the project is $200,000, with funding coming from the Rotary Club, the city, and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), along with additional fundraising efforts.

The Rotary Club’s president and committee members presented the project, emphasizing its historical context and the club’s long-standing contributions to the community. A former mayor and long-standing Rotary Club member highlighted the importance of the project in enhancing downtown Sebring and expressed gratitude for the city’s partnership. This approval was met with enthusiasm from the council members, with one member expressing pride in the project, stating, “I’ve been on this Council for 10 years and I’ve asked why haven’t we done a public bathroom, so very proud of you.”

During the discussion, the materials chosen for the restroom were detailed, with an emphasis on minimizing vandalism. The facility will feature two air conditioning units, one for men and one for women, with programmable thermostats to control usage hours. The inclusion of air conditioning was debated, but it was ultimately decided that it would improve the user experience, especially during hot months.

Following the restroom project discussion, the council reviewed and swiftly approved Resolution 2024-25, which proposed a rate increase for residential Solid Waste Services from $225 to $230 per unit per year. No objections were voiced during this discussion, and the resolution passed without public comments.

The council then turned its attention to substantial drainage and stormwater management issues in the Sebring area. Craig Fuller presented an update on the West Lake Jackson stormwater improvement project, emphasizing the need to address drainage issues, particularly concerning sediment washing down from specific roads. The project includes an inline treatment system designed to remove nutrients before they flow downstream to Lake O, contributing to a larger regional nutrient removal goal. Fuller explained the importance of slowing down water velocity in drainage areas to prevent erosion and flooding and proposed regrading road surfaces and increasing the size of large stormwater elements to improve drainage efficiency.

The discussion also included plans for improving Dawn Drive, a major collector road. The proposed design aims to enhance the road’s capacity to handle stormwater during heavy rain events, with preliminary estimates for construction costs around $6.3 million. The design phase includes narrowing the road to 11-foot lanes to enhance safety and manage nutrient runoff from the road into the lake, with inline treatment units to filter out harmful substances.

Additionally, the council addressed drainage improvements near St. Agnes Church and surrounding areas. A representative from St. Agnes Church expressed gratitude for the proposed improvements, highlighting the significant flooding issues the church has faced, impacting classrooms and requiring frequent replacements of furniture and carpets. The drainage project aims to create a more effective network to prevent flooding, with plans for underground systems to manage excess water effectively.

Concerns were raised about the adequacy of current drainage systems, particularly on Dawn Drive, which functions poorly during heavy rain. The proposal includes implementing a channel system to improve water flow and regrading existing systems to handle increased water flow. The conversation acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining ditches and aimed to minimize such structures in favor of more manageable solutions.

The council also discussed an offer made on a property intended for development into an Eco Park. The park’s design is still under discussion, with an emphasis on accessibility and potential inclusion of walking paths.

In administrative updates, the council received information on the West Lake Jackson project, ongoing negotiations regarding a road swap with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the status of a contract related to the relocation of Public Works utilities. A reminder was given about an upcoming public hearing related to budget adoption, emphasizing the importance of attendance.

The meeting concluded with the approval of bills, which received unanimous support from the council members present.