Winter Haven Approves Clean Audit and Discusses Critical Firefighter Agreement and Water Capacity Challenges
- Meeting Overview:
In the latest Winter Haven City Commission meeting, a clean audit report was accepted, advancements in firefighter agreements were discussed, and water capacity challenges were addressed. These discussions, along with other agenda items, underscored the commission’s focus on public safety and infrastructure management.
05:23One focus of the meeting was the memorandum of agreement with the Winter Haven Professional Firefighters, the International Association of Firefighters Local 4967. After three months of negotiations, a tentative agreement was reached on wage adjustments and specific items related to the firefighters’ collective bargaining agreement for the fiscal year 2025. The wage adjustments proposed an increase of $3,978.80 for new hires as firefighter one positions and $4,253.20 for incumbent firefighters, effective retroactively from October 1st.
The agreement also introduced changes to the Kelly Day program, transitioning from one day off every nine shifts to one day off every seven shifts starting in January 2026. This modification aims to improve firefighters’ health and recovery by ensuring mandatory days off, which is anticipated to enhance the management of overtime needs. The total annual hours worked by firefighters would decrease from 2,600 to 2,496, with no change in annual pay, effectively increasing their hourly rate for overtime calculations. This strategic change positions Winter Haven competitively, as the Lakeland Fire Department is currently the only other agency in Polk County operating on a one in seven Kelly Day system.
13:27Further adjustments to the incentive pay structure were discussed, allowing firefighters advancing from firefighter one to firefighter two to receive partial incentives based on completed certifications, encouraging faster progression through ranks. The agreement has already received approval from the IAFF local members and awaits the commission’s consideration. The financial implications are accounted for in the city’s budget, with upcoming negotiations for a full contract reopener on the horizon.
14:46The commission also tackled the issue of water capacity. Discussions highlighted a mutual agreement with Eagle Lake for emergency water services, detailing assistance conditions in case of unexpected failures in Eagle Lake’s water system. The agreement defines emergencies as situations not exceeding 96 continuous hours, with short-term needs capped at 60 calendar days. Eagle Lake would be charged the lowest commercial rate for the water provided, excluding typical administrative fees. This agreement mirrors similar arrangements with other municipalities like Polk County, Dundee, and Payne City.
27:34The city’s potable water capacity was a discussion point, with officials detailing the complexities of concurrency calculations. The available capacity was reported as 2.32 million gallons per day (MGD) from a total permitted capacity of 14.016 MGD. Despite projected demands from new subdivisions, the system would retain over two million gallons per day of available capacity. Officials emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding capacity and concurrency to ensure proper infrastructure planning.
40:49The anticipated application for additional water capacity through the Polk Regional Water Cooperative was discussed, with expectations of results by 2028. The city plans to submit a necessary permit application to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swift Mud). Officials conveyed that obtaining a 50-year water permit could provide a more stable water supply, presenting an opportunity for the city.
18:19Other items discussed included the repair costs for a damaged VAC truck, initially estimated at $49,700 but exceeding $55,000, requiring commission ratification. The ongoing closure of several downtown parking garage spaces due to water intrusion was addressed, with repairs involving water sealing and concrete spalling set to commence, funded through the downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
25:35In terms of land development, the commission addressed zoning requests for Cassie Land Development, aimed at changing future land use to neighborhood suburban and multifamily residential low-density R3 zoning for four annexed parcels. The intention is to develop the area for single-family residential units, with a capacity for 362 units, while addressing potable water capacity for future projects.
Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr.
City Council Officials:
Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr. (Mayor), Brian Yates (Mayor Pro Tem), L. Tracy Mercer, Bradley T. Dantzler, Clifton E. Dollison, T. Michael Stavres (City Manager)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
04/23/2025
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Recording Published:
04/23/2025
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Duration:
44 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Polk County
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Towns:
Winter Haven
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