The evening began with a proclamation in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15. The proclamation emphasized the contributions of Hispanic Americans in multiple fields, including military service, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Mayor Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr. encouraged citizens to celebrate these achievements. Anna Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude and invited the community to a Hispanic heritage luncheon scheduled for October 11.

In another notable presentation, Chief David Brandon of the Winter Haven Police Department was honored as he prepares for retirement after 32 years of service. Mayor Birdsong and City Manager Charlie Bird presented a proclamation detailing Chief Brandon’s career, from his start as a community service officer in 1992 to his promotion to chief in 2021. Chief Brandon thanked the commission and highlighted the importance of continued support for the police department.

The commission then turned its attention to financial matters, starting with the proposed millage rate for the 2024 fiscal year. City Manager Bird presented the ordinance, setting the millage rate at 6.59 mills, a 4.75% increase over the rollback rate of 6.29 mills. The increase in ad valorem tax revenues is intended to address rising operating costs and fund capital projects. The commission opened the floor to public comments, but no residents came forward. The ordinance was approved unanimously after minimal discussion among the commissioners.

Following the millage rate approval, the commission discussed the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The budget anticipates sufficient revenues to meet municipal government expenses, with significant allocations for community initiatives. These include $250,000 for affordable housing, $320,000 to support 40 nonprofit agencies, $285,000 for community partnerships, and $295,000 for addressing homelessness and housing insufficiency among families with school-age children. Additionally, $294,000 is allocated for the Lakeland area mass transit program. The budget also includes a cost-of-living adjustment, raising entry-level pay to no less than $16 per hour, and designates about 45% of the budget for capital improvements. The budget was approved unanimously after a public hearing that saw no speakers.

The commission then addressed Ordinance 0-24-33, amending the Winter Haven Code of Ordinances in response to Senate Bill 812. This legislation mandates a process allowing model homes to be constructed on up to 50% of lots before final plat approval and reintroduces a preliminary plat process. Despite some frustration expressed by a commissioner, the ordinance was passed.

Ordinance 0-24-35 was also considered, involving amendments to the Plan Unit Development (PUD) ordinance for five parcels along US Highway 17. The changes are intended to facilitate redevelopment, including a primary anchor site for a big-box retailer and smaller outparcel sites. The ordinance was approved after discussing staff recommendations and potential conflicts with existing city codes and infrastructure requirements.

Another ordinance, Ordinance 02 2438, proposed amendments to the future land use map of the Winter Haven comprehensive plan. This affected 14 parcels transitioning from neighborhood support to primary mixed-use hub designation and 49 parcels shifting from traditional neighborhood areas to the same designation. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed and recommended approval of this ordinance, which was subsequently adopted by the city commission.

The meeting also addressed water management issues, with a resident named Alan Anderson raising concerns about the irrigation system in his neighborhood, Hampton Cove. Anderson highlighted the financial burden on residents due to reused water clogging irrigation systems and the need for ongoing attention to the issue.

Community engagement and events were also discussed. One commissioner expressed disappointment over the turnout at the Heroes on the Park event and suggested better promotion for future events. Another commissioner shared experiences from various local events, including the Winter Haven risk management committee meeting and a retirement celebration for Chief Brandon. The positive impact of community events and the significance of new housing initiatives, such as the Blue Sky ribbon-cutting event, were highlighted.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of various achievements within the city staff, including recognition of Savannah Wi Stanley as an emerging leader in urban forestry efforts. The city manager also reported on the city’s improved credit rating, attributing this success to the commission’s intentional decisions and the finance department’s diligent work.