The commission’s deliberations on the Willoughbrook Golf Course stood out as a point of interest. The course is set to undergo extensive renovations funded by a $2.6 million contribution from Duke Energy. Renovations will include improvements to the on-course restrooms, greens, and irrigation systems. This project is important for addressing ongoing drainage issues and enhancing the course’s overall functionality. Renovations will involve the addition of 685 new irrigation heads to manage drainage effectively, crucial for maintaining the course’s quality. The renovation will also focus on reworking the number 14 green near a newly developed subdivision to prevent potential conflicts. These changes will result in a 30-day closure of the course from July to August, during which the clubhouse and driving range will remain open. This closure will impact the Winter Haven High School golf team, which will need to find an alternate practice location. Discussions also addressed warranty concerns, with the commission ensuring that proper oversight of the project and material quality would be maintained.

Drainage issues on the golf course were a concern, particularly in areas with undesirable subgrade soils and historical flow ways from nearby lakes. The commission acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach to address these areas. This plan aims to set realistic expectations for the community regarding improvements over time. A new bathroom facility was opened, addressing a longstanding complaint among course users. There was also a request for a future update on the golf course’s overall performance, along with updates on other recreational assets like tennis and pickleball facilities.

The meeting also covered the final plat approval for the Lake Deer Townhomes subdivision, a development spanning 51.7 acres with 304 building lots and 10 common lots. The city will maintain the internal roads, water, and sewer lines, while the homeowners association will handle drainage and stormwater management. The development is expected to generate over $490,000 annually in ad valorem revenues, alongside additional utility service revenues. This project aligns with the multifamily residential low-density R3 zoning district and has sufficient capacity at the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

In financial discussions, the commission approved an amendment to the budget ordinance, transferring a surplus of $1.433 million from the general fund to the construction fund for the fire station 5 project. This transfer follows the city’s policy of maintaining a general fund balance of 17% of budgeted operating expenditures, with a target of 30%. The city finished fiscal year 2024 with a surplus of $5.16 million, raising the unassigned fund balance to $23.788 million. It was confirmed that these funds are placed in the State Board of Administration for interest accrual at a rate of 4.48%.

The commission reviewed the grant and aid process, with a total disbursement of $347,761 recommended. This marked the highest level of funding ever distributed, with a focus on ensuring that organizations receiving funds provide significant services to the Winter Haven community. The commission noted the importance of improving the application process, with plans to reconvene later in the year to formalize recommendations.

Additionally, the commission discussed ongoing maintenance agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation, covering several rights-of-way along state roads. This longstanding agreement involves maintenance activities such as mowing, litter removal, and edging, with the city receiving annual compensation of $62,416.