One notable issue discussed was the adjustment of water and sewer connection fees. The commission recognized the extraordinary circumstances presented by the city’s rapid growth and the substantial capital improvements required to expand and upgrade the water and wastewater systems. A representative outlined the legal justifications for the increased fees, emphasizing that without these adjustments, the utility would miss out on millions of dollars from new developments, placing an undue financial burden on current ratepayers. The current net cost of construction and financing for water is $31 per gallon, a figure expected to rise due to inflation and project delays.

The proposed fee increases were designed to shift the financial burden to new developments, helping to keep overall user rates low for existing residents. The current water connection fee stands at $3,671 per new residential unit, while wastewater connection fees are set to double to fund necessary improvements. This adjustment moves Winter Haven from a lower fee range to a higher range within Polk County, aligning it with municipalities like Groveland and Port St. Lucie.

Another topic was the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) conservation project agreement. Executive Director Eric de Haven discussed the importance of conserving existing water supplies to delay the need for alternative sources. Winter Haven is expected to contribute approximately $10,000 annually to the conservation efforts, supported by state grant funds and member contributions. Gary Hubbard highlighted that irrigation accounts for 38% to 40% of total water usage.

The State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds were also a focal point. Cedric Cox and Diane Dur from the Economic Opportunity Community Investment Department presented data on the utilization of SHIP funds over the fiscal years 2021-2024. The city received 82 applications, with 31 for down payment assistance and 51 for owner-occupied rehabilitation. The aggressive marketing and efficient use of funds resulted in a drastic reduction from $1.8 million to a remaining balance of $132,193. Cox detailed the funding history and clarified that down payment assistance could provide up to $50,000 to first-time homebuyers, contingent upon the home being within city limits and subject to a five-year lien.

Further discussions addressed the contractor, Enviral Build, responsible for executing rehabilitation projects. Cox assured the commission of daily communication with the contractor and responsiveness to concerns about the quality of work. The commission acknowledged the challenges faced by smaller contractors in handling significant projects and waiting for reimbursements, emphasizing the need for competitive bidding while providing urgent assistance to residents.

The commission also focused on zoning amendments, particularly the proposal to amend the existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) regulations for a Brownfield-impacted property. The amendments included eliminating an entrance median, revising landscaping requirements, increasing permitted signage, and modifying parking requirements. The residential component of the project was eliminated, leading to inquiries about soil remediation strategies. The commission addressed the need for flexibility in development due to the site’s Brownfield conditions.

Additionally, the commission discussed the establishment of a system to identify and protect specimen trees. The proposed ordinance requires a tree permit for removing specific trees, particularly in commercial and industrial developments, and includes a mitigation requirement for replanting trees. This initiative aligns with the city’s strategic plan focusing on urban forestry and environmental stewardship.

The meeting also included discussions on the Clean Air Act for public parks and spaces, the need for stricter regulations on tree planting in new subdivisions, and the potential implementation of a no-smoking ordinance for public parks. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining clean environments in public areas to enhance community appeal and ensure safe enjoyment of parks.

Lastly, there was a workshop on amending the schedule of water and sewer connection fees. Joe Williams from Raftellis recommended increasing these fees due to rising costs associated with expanding and upgrading the water and wastewater systems. The commission committed to further refining the recommendations and bringing them back for consideration.