One notable issues presented during the public comments segment was raised by Eddie Myers, a resident who expressed his frustration with the defacement of his property on the north side of the city. The resident’s concerns brought to light potential issues related to property maintenance and code enforcement. The City Manager acknowledged the situation and committed to following up to address the concerns.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion on the allocation of CDBG funds. The commission addressed the proposal to use these funds for the modernization design build project of the Neighborhood Services Center. The commission approved the allocation of $283,599 for improvements, including modernization, ADA upgrades, expanded service accessibility, and addressing flooding concerns. The total estimated project cost is around $820,000, and a public hearing was scheduled to provide an opportunity for public comment on the matter.

Another major topic discussed was the proposal from Mr. Terry Dudney for the purchase of a parcel within the Florence Villa community redevelopment area. The commission expressed unanimous consent to donate the property to Mr. Dudney, with the understanding that he would cover all closing costs. The decision was made in light of the property’s limited stand-alone value due to previous road expansion and the potential for future development that would generate revenue for the city.

During the meeting, Daniel Wolf, another resident, questioned the commission’s decision to donate city-owned property rather than selling it for financial gain. A commissioner explained the rationale behind the donation, highlighting the small size of the property and the financial burden of its maintenance on taxpayers.

The commission also approved the sale of two small parcels within the downtown Community Redevelopment Area to Mr. Bob Cameron for $25,000, with a retail store expected to be constructed on the site, generating additional ad valorem taxes.

The commission considered several ordinances, including one to amend the city’s comprehensive plan and another related to zoning district assignment for a specific parcel of land, both recommended for approval by the City Manager. An additional ordinance was introduced to amend the city’s code of ordinances regarding high water marks and setback measurements for waterfront properties.

Another ordinance addressed budget transfers within a fund, which aimed at improving transparency and enhancing the budget process by requesting such transfers to be approved at the administrative level. Furthermore, the commission discussed amendments to standards and definitions related to fences and walls to make the section more user-friendly and clarify language.

A point of debate was the amendment to the vesting provisions of the Winter Haven firefighters’ pension plan, with the goal of aligning the early retirement age for firefighters with the police pension. The commission addressed concerns about potential disparities between the two pensions and clarified that the proposed changes were to ensure consistency in the administration of benefits.

The commission also tackled the appointment of a new member to the affordable housing advisory committee, unanimously recommending Mr. D we win for a term beginning January 1, 2024. Additionally, appointments to the Airport Advisory Committee were approved, including Allan Anderson as an alternate member and Brian Hughes as an ex officio member.

Commissioner Mercer shared her recent involvement in community events, emphasizing the importance of early education and preschool training. The commission also recognized various initiatives and events, including the Main Street Organization’s breakfast for city employees, the Florence Villa Place housing development’s completion, and the Winter Haven theater’s production significant during Black History Month.