The commission heard from Aaron Killebrew, Citrus Connection’s director of external affairs, who provided an overview of the current state of Winter Haven’s mass transit services and future developments anticipated for fiscal year 2026-2027. She highlighted that the city’s total ridership is expected to surpass 100,000 rides this fiscal year, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and improving transit services for city residents. Killebrew proposed a 4% increase in Winter Haven’s financial contribution to Citrus Connection, which would raise the city’s share from $200,093 to $305,000. This adjustment is intended to offset rising costs related to fuel and vehicle maintenance, which have not been matched by increases in city contributions over the past four years despite population growth.

City officials acknowledged the necessity of the proposed increase, noting that discussions about the city’s budget for the next fiscal year have already considered this adjustment. The city manager emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for essential services, declaring that transportation would likely be one of the last areas considered for budget cuts. Killebrew mentioned that while feedback from municipalities had been positive before a special legislative session, there has been a shift towards shorter-term conversations regarding budget increases. The commission also considered potential funding cuts from the county, although no specific discussions regarding these cuts have taken place.

Transportation was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with further discussions on the North Lake Ship Drive Complete Street Project and the East Lake Howard Drive Southwest Complete Project. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity and infrastructure, with the North Lake Ship Drive project focusing on rehabilitating a key corridor to improve connections between residential neighborhoods and essential services. Brittany Hart presented project details, noting the availability of $300,000 for the design phase, with additional funding expected in fiscal year 2027. The city manager noted a federal appropriation of $2 million for construction.

The East Lake Howard Drive project, detailed by city staff, involves comprehensive infrastructure improvements, including drainage enhancements and roadway reconstruction. The project includes a “dig once” approach to minimize disruption, with Kimley-Horn, a consulting firm, engaged to develop a scope of work. The estimated cost of $212,750 will be funded from the transportation fund, aligning with the city’s strategic goals to enhance recreational amenities and pedestrian networks.

Another area of discussion was the development of a Transportation Safety Action Plan, funded by a $184,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, requiring a local match of $46,000. This plan aligns with the state’s Vision Zero initiative. Community engagement will be a key aspect, with workshops and online portals planned to gather feedback.

In addition to transportation and infrastructure, the commission addressed a workforce housing agreement with Galt Construction designed to develop affordable housing. The agreement involves the construction of four duplexes, with the city reimbursing Galt for impact fees totaling $236,855.34. These units will be leased to individuals earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income for seven years. The agreement includes a forgivable lien to secure the city’s interests and ensure compliance with the workforce housing objective. City officials emphasized that this agreement offers stronger protections compared to previous arrangements by tying financial investment to specific obligations for affordable housing.

The commission also tackled issues related to city-managed facilities, including dock and boardwalk repairs at Lake Maud Nature Park and Lake Howard, with a proposal totaling $102,515 for necessary repairs. A funding gap of approximately $42,515 will be covered by cost savings from another project. Additionally, the condition of playground facilities at the Ruben Williams Sports Complex was discussed, with a proposed renovation estimated at $92,178.66 to replace damaged rubber safety surfacing.

Further meeting discussions included routine matters such as the purchase of 2,800 Mach 10 water meters and the assignment of the Orchid Springs water and sewer system maintenance agreement due to its sale to a new utility company. The commission approved a contract for smart manhole cover maintenance to prevent sanitary sewer overflows.