Davis >> here. >> Commissioner Dison >> here. >> Um, Commissioner Birdong >> here, >> Mayor Pro Tim Mercer >> here, >> and Mayor Yates >> here. >> All right. This evening, invocation will be led by Pastor David Barry.
I'm not seeing Pastor David Barry. Anybody want a pinch hit for Pastor David Barry? >> You know any good reverends? So, if you'll uh please stand if able, it'll be followed by the pledge. Let us pray. Gracious God, our father,
we thank you for the privilege gathering in this chamber, oh God, to do what is right in your sight. Pray, oh God, that you will give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We pray, dear master, for this great city. We thank you for the leadership of
our city. We thank you for our staff. We thank you, dear master, for all the wonderful citizens who make this a wonderful place to live, grow, and play. We ask your blessings on all our proceedings here tonight. May it be pleasing in thy sight. We ask it in the
powerful and wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen. >> Amen. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. You have um three presentations in the form of proclamations this evening. Our first proclamation is for America 250.
in accepting this will be Laura Stokes of the Pona Deleon chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. So she and members of the D would come forward. I'll read the proclamation. Whereas on July 4th, 2026, our nation
will commemorate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And whereas the journey towards this historic milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead to the future generations who will
carry forward the ideals of democracy and individual liberty that make the United States a unique nation in the world community. And whereas the great state of Florida played a role in the American Revolution with four battles occurring on Florida's soil. the battle
at Thomas Creek, the battle at Alligator Creek Bridge, the siege of Pensacola, and the last naval battle of the American Revolution off the coast of Cape Canaveral. And whereas the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-political women's
service organization established in 1890 whose members are linearly descended from patriots of the American Revolution. And whereas through the pre through the president's general leadership, all daughters are spending the next three years illuminating our legacy by
celebrating our nation's rich history and diversity, promoting belonging through membership and dedicated service to God, home, and country, and by completing projects in unique local and impactful ways. And whereas from the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea
Party in 2023 until the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 2033, daughters are celebrating our nation's rich history and diversity of experience by honoring all men and women who achieved American independence.
These patriots believing in the noble cause of liberty fought valiantly to establish a new nation. Now therefore, William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winterhaven, does hereby proclaim July 4th, 2026 as America 250, and calls
upon all city residents to observe this commemoration and reaffirm the ideals embraced by the signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In witness whereof, he has here to set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, to be affixed
this 8th day of June, 2026. Signed, William Brian Yates, mayor. Attest Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. Thank you, >> Mary Yates and members of the Winter Haven Commission. The Ponellion chapter is honored to accept this America 250
resolution. As a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, we are proud to join Florida and the city of Winterhaven in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. We appreciate the opportunity to reflect on America's history,
recognize Florida's unique place in that history, and unite our community in a spirit of patriotism. As we approach July 4th, 2026, as a part of the America 250 celebration, we invite you to join our chapter in downtown Central Park in
Winter Haven near the water fountain on July 8th, 2026 at 6 p.m. There we will join organizations around the world in a simultaneous public reading of the Declaration of Independence to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its
first public reading. Thank you. Perfect. Mayor and commissioners, our second proclamation this evening is for Junth today. Uh I believe Tammy Heron and
Cameron Pitman that I see is here if they want to come forward with members of the committee to accept this proclamation on their behalf. Our proclamation reads as follows. Whereas Junth also known as freedom day
or emancipation day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the United States. And whereas on June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveastston, Texas
to announce the end of the Civil War and proclaimed that all enslaved individuals were henceforth free. And whereas although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st of 1863, many enslaved individuals in remote
areas remained unaware of their freedom until Union forces arrived. And whereas celebrating Junth honors the resilience of the African-American community and renews our collective commitment to justice, inclusion, and unity. And whereas the 2026 Junth celebration
committee in partnership with city staff has worked to highlight African-American heritage through a modern celebration that educates, engages, and inspires the community. And whereas on Saturday, June 20th of 2026, the city of Winter Haven
will host its annual Junth celebration at the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center to mark this important historic event and bring together families, residents, and local officials to promote education, entertainment, and an inclusive community. Now therefore,
William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winterhaven, Florida, does hereby proclaim June 19th, 2026 as Junth day in the city of Winter Haven, and encourages the entire Winterhaven community to engage in the celebration of history and pride. In witness whereof, he is here to
set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, to be affixed this 8th day of June, 2026. Signed, William Brian Gates, mayor. Attest Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. Thank you. And before I turn it over, I also want
to point out that we have two additional attendees with us this evening. Uh Annayia Ler and Jaden Blocker who were recipients of uh scholarships is part of the Junth uh committee and program. So I
want to congratulate them as well. Good evening, mayor, commissioner, city staff, and community. On behalf of the Junth Planning Committee, thank you for allowing us to be here today and supporting this year's Junth celebration. Junth is an important day
in our nation's history. It reminds us of the day when enslaved African-Americans learned that they were free. It is time to remember the past, celebrate freedom, and come together as a community. We are grateful for the city's support and we trust you place
our community to help plan this special event each year. We work hard to create a celebration that is welcoming, educational, but most of all fun for everyone. This year's event will include music, food, vendors, activities for
children and families and opportunities to learn more about the history and meaning of Junth. We hope it will bring people together and help us celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make our community strong. We would like
to invite all of you and the residents of Winter Haven to join us on Saturday, June 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm at the Winter Haven Recreational Cultural Center. Thank you again for your support for recognizing the importance of Junth
and for helping make this celebration possible. We look forward to celebrating with you. Also, yesterday's legacy is today's hope, which is tomorrow's hope. with us. We also have and we would like to recognize two special individuals which their names were already mentioned
the tw this year's 2026 Junth scholarship. They won an amount of $500 each to be applied to their fund for their higher education. At this time we would like to introduce we would like for them to introduce themselves telling us a little bit about themselves of
where they graduated from and where they will be continuing their education and what they'll be majoring in. And if you can please give them a hand one more time before they speak. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Annayia Ler. I graduated
recently from Winter Haven High School. I will be attending Bthoon Cookman University very soon for psychology. Hello everybody. My name is Jayen. I graduated from Arbendale and I'm going to Rich Technical College to be electrician.
And while they're taking the podium, I'd like for everyone to take a historical note of Jaden is the great nephew of former attorney uh Larry Hardaway, who's deceased now. He was the first black city attorney for the city of Warner
Haven and so far the only one. So, as we remember Junth, let's remember Mr. hard away his contributions and honor his legacy. All right. One more. Good evening, mayor and city commissioners. Uh, our next proclamation
this evening is for waste and recycling workers week and Clyde Carson, our solid waste superintendent, uh, and members of his team. Much of his team starts very early in the morning, so some of them are here with us this evening. So whereas the nation celebrates the week of June 15, 2026 as National Waste and
Recycling Workers Week, and whereas the city of Winter Haven has depended on solid waste service providers to keep the city clean and free of debris for over a 100red years. And whereas the city of Winter Haven's hardworking waste and recycling professionals service over 21,000 residential homes and 16,000 1600
commercial businesses per week. And whereas the city of Winter Haven solid waste service providers impact over 50,000 residents, indicating a healthy and continually growing city. And whereas the city of Winter Haven values and celebrates our solid waste employees for their service to our community and commitment to our residents and
businesses. Now therefore, William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, does hereby proclaim the week of June 15, 2026 as waste and recycling workers week in the city of Winter Haven and urges all citizens to support efforts and extend sincere gratitude to all the city of Winter Haven's waste and recycling
professionals. In witness whereof, he is here to set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida to be affixed this 8th day of June, 2026. Signed, William Brian Yates, mayor. Attest Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. >> Good evening, mayor, city commissioner,
city staff. On behalf of the solid waste team, we would just like to say thank you for your continued support of our efforts. Uh many of the guys are still out on route collection. Um, and the ones from the earlier, they probably went home and getting rested up for tomorrow. But we would like to say thank you and we appreciate you for all that
you do for us. Thank you. There you go. Perfect. Good boy. Okay, thank you for those presentations. Uh, developments of note, we have none. No minutes to review. Comments from the audience. We do have four individuals
who have signed up. Uh, if you wish to speak to a specific item when I call your name, just let me know which item you'd like to speak to and then we'll hold your comments until that time. However, if you have any general comments or uh just want to say hello,
you have five minutes to do so. First one is Jesse Scubna. You'll give your name and address. You have five minutes. >> Good evening, mayor, commissioners. Uh my name is Jesse Scubna. I live uh 10 Lake Link Drive. I'm here this evening
to ask that you consider a charter review. I feel as if the last several meetings uh especially the CRA there's been a lot of policy questions and concerns and I think um a charter review would be able to address a lot of the
policy concerns that um have have recently come up and um I know that Commissioner Davis had asked about looking into the salary for the commissioners. That's something that could be looked at. The application process for committees can be looked at
in the charter review. Um I think it's appropriate especially with the new um taxes that they are that they're talking about the uh property tax. I think some things could possibly be discussed in that as well. But I think it is
important to um look at a lot of the policies and it's come up in many of the the recent meetings. So, I just ask that you maybe consider it, talk about it, and if you form a committee, I would like to sit on it, please. Thank you.
>> Thank you, >> city staff. I can't remember when is our next >> We did a last charter review was in 2017 and the next one is due in 2030. >> Siri may think otherwise. >> Yeah, I guess so. Uh, say that again.
I'm sorry. So we last charter review was in 2017 and then part of that charter review was that they would be done every 10 years with the next one occurring in 2030. >> Okay. So three three years away four
four years away. Um would property taxes potentially >> warrant that to happen any sooner if that were to be successful on the ballot in November. I don't know that I can fine on that
this evening. I can tell you that um >> you put that one on ice. >> Some of the you know policies and um matters pertaining to compensation for commissioners. That's an ordinance that's that's defined to occur by
ordinance within the charter calls for that. So that's the means for doing that. Um the uh the last charter review, I'm I'm trying to remember, mayor, even what came out of that one. I know there were some items that we took to the uh
the voters for their consideration at the ballot. Term limits was one. >> Um but we'll we can pull the the charter review report and provide that to you all. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Next up, we have um
Becky Mc Mlofflin. Becky, you have five minutes if you'll state your name and address for the record. >> Thank you. My name is Becky Mclofflin. I'm representing the Citrus Teen News. Um just sent an email out yesterday to all of the commissioners in our county and the municipalities because we have
um I'm coming from the education sector. I've been an educator for the last 10 years. Um, I live in Lake Alfred and um, you know, stepping out of education and and doing something new that I feel is a real community need and that is for information and for our public to be
informed. After I've in I've talked to lots and lots of residents around Pulk County and different areas and the thing that we hear overwhelmingly is that most of them get their news from Facebook um, or other social media which is a challenge because you hear a lot of complaints. There's a lot of loud voices
there, but they're not the voices, they're not where the voices can truly be heard to make a difference. Um because they're locked in membership of, you know, if you're part of this group or that group. Um what they also said was that many people um what what we see in in those posts is booking reports,
traffic accidents, scandals, um not a lot of news that really truly covers Pulk County and who we really are as a community. um highlighting a lot of the um great things that are happening among the cities. Um proclamations like the Junth that we've just witnessed today um
and and other great things that are happening across the county. Uh because the information gets locked into the Facebook or um and if you're not following 200 groups, which I am finding out, um you just are not as informed um as as you maybe you want to be. And so
um we've started this new publication. and it's going to be free to all subscribers. Um because I believe the information should be free. It should be unbiased and it should be informing people so that they can decide. And it's been a long time in the history even of our whole country since we've had news
that let people decide what to think about the information instead of telling us how to think. And um you know I came from Seattle and then I moved here to PK County. And you know, so I've been I've seen both sides of where you know, P County tends to be a little bit more conservative. Seattle is much more
liberal and um you know what what I've learned as an educator and just as growing um as into my adulthood is that if we remove the labels, we find out that we have a lot more common ground than we would if we put those labels attached. And so we're here just to
provide a a really a community service to um our residents to be able to inform them about what's going on in places like Malberry, in places like Kathleen, in the unincorporated areas. I heard from a resident just um over the weekend that said, you know, my city is in uh I
pay for city water in Auburnale. I live in unincorporated P County. I have no voice for what's happening in my community, which is Auburndale for them. Um because of, you know, the challenges that we have two to 300 maybe more by now um residents living in unincorporated PK County and they don't
know where or how necessarily to have a voice. There are some many of them showed up here today and they know how to have a voice. But there are so many um residents that don't know how to have that voice and and to put it in the appropriate place. And so um I would love to partner with you um if you can put me in touch with your media person
so that we can get that news to our community and I would love it. Thank you. I'm going to switch cards with you. Um and uh but I'm just here to partner. Um you know, one of my biggest things is we're not here to smear anybody or or whatever. Um because you know there's like I said there's a lot of loud voices in Pulk County but we're here to present
information and let the people decide and I hope that you'll join us with that. It's called the citrus tea. Um the citrus tea.com and uh I have some cards for you guys and and our media person will as well get that. So um you can subscribe on there. Like I said it's free and uh we just want to get the
information out to the community. It's you know once an educator always an educator. So thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Next up we have Steve Miller. Steve, you have five minutes. State your name and address.
>> Perfect. Uh Steve Miller, Pole County Builders Association, uh 2232 Heritage Drive, Lakeland, Florida. Um full disclosure, I also uh so I am president uh for the current year of the PK County Builders Association. First and foremost, before I tell you about
myself, thank you for what you guys do on a daily basis, I just want to say I I have a pleasure of getting to go around end up seeing a lot of uh commissioner meetings. What I saw here tonight was genuinely positive and uplifting. You have engaged citizens and that is a rarity and the backbone by which our
republic uh survives is engagement. So, thank you guys for what you continue to do. Um that being said, four minutes and 20 seconds. Uh I'm before you here today asking for genuine help. Uh hopefully my request is some of the most low easy fruit to to get done. But um as a
builder association and then on top of that as a representative of Highland Homes just to be completely open and transparent um we are building inside the city of Winter Haven and particularly with that many of the association members are building inside the city of Winter Haven's utility departments. My coming before you
tonight uh is to simply address that we have received feedback both from the association and personal testimony to Highland Homes that there seems to be of a breakdown in the relationship from the water utility department particularly in meter setting. Um and what we're seeing is is that the expectations that are
laid out from us from some of the most longstanding and upstanding employees you guys have Marbel at the water department. I've been with the company 13 years for at least 11 of them. I couldn't get anything done in the water department without Marbel. Um I will say my words, not hers in any way that you
can see that there's obviously some sort of frustration, breakdown, something there that's preventing them to be successful and meeting the expectations they set. As a result of that, you have private businesses that are going well into construction without meterable water. And what that means is is that
one, it's an additional cost to the builders, which impacts the the affordable housing crisis. That is a hardship. Affordability is relative. whether you're buying a 700,000 or a $300,000 house or $100,000. Affordability is a budget type item. Um, but in addition to that, following up
with it is is beginning to wear down the very relationships by which we achieve. And with two minutes and 45 seconds left in my time, I just want to ask is is there any way that you guys in your leadership positions to maybe poke and prod some people who are not really
willing to respond to communication in leadership roles over in the water department to get them to engage back with the builders so that we can write uh the ship and continue doing what we do great, which is build relationships and communities alike.
We'll have a representative uh get with you here this evening, exchange information, and uh we'll go from there. >> That is absolutely amazing. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Okay, next up, Sean Miller. Is that right?
>> Name and address. You have five minutes. >> Hi, Sean Miller. Um, you guys may be wondering why there's two Millers here tonight, but there is no relation. We live at different addresses. Um, but, um, I would like to, um, you know, forego my time. No need to speak on it. I think we're going to get the help that
we need. I do appreciate everything that you guys are doing for us. So, uh, thank you. Thank you. >> I have a comment. >> Yes. Um when we when before when we had the building explosion, we tried to preset
meters go into a development. We set the meters first and then they had to connect to those meters. Um you might just as a suggest you might look in how successful that was. I know it was massive at one time before the downturn
before. Uh so you if there's anybody around now to you could ask about that, but I don't remember. I know we were going crazy trying to get preset meters for developments, but it might be a
solution. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we don't have anyone else signed up. However, if uh you would like to address the commission, now is your opportunity. Anyone else from the public? Yes, ma'am. You have five minutes if you'll give us
your name and address for the record. >> I might need more than five minutes. >> I might give you 30 minutes. >> Good afternoon. I'm Ernestine Davis. I live uh 3375 South Avenue.
I came to speak to let the commissioners know that we have childrens need food. They are hungry. They school out. You all know that we
have a problem. Influence villa a drug problems and school out. Our kids don't get food like they should. they have um they eat at school in the
morning and most that they get when they get back to school. So the city we not last year we asked the city
for a grant for the program for the summer where they the family going to have to pay to go to to the program. So this goes on and on and on
and we know every year we have to come and talk about a grant for our kids and we know that we have the project the projects in Florence
Villa. We have a drug problem. So, we need a grant where those kids can go to the center. So, you all need to look at that
in a hurry and do something about it. That's what we need to do. And the community who listen on whatever that you all have, you all need to help. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak? All right, seeing none, we'll move forward. We don't have any ordinance uh second readings this evening. However, we do have a full consent agenda. Uh commissioners, >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes.
>> Move approval of the consent agenda in its entirety. >> Thank you. Commissioners, any questions or discussion on this item? Seeing none. I'm g have to wing it. Somebody took my notes.
>> Yes. >> That's not the notes I was looking for. >> All right. Motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting. Open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to any item on the consent agenda. Seeing none, we'll close the public
hearing. Reopen the commission meeting. Any other further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Oppose. Like sign. Motion carries. All right. And we've got two resolutions to review. We'll start with R26-16,
City Attorney. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me read that title for you. Resolution R-26-16. A resolution to the city commission of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, affirmatively accepting the conveyance of that certain non-exclusive utility
easement from the Gates of Lake Region Homeowners Association, Inc., a Florida not for-profit corporation to the city of Winter Haven, Florida, as more particularly described in the non-exclusive utility easement executed by the Gates of Lake Region Homeowners Association, Inc. to the city
of Winter Haven, Florida, and recorded on April 30th, 2026 in official records book 13977, page 2296, public records of Pope County, Florida, and providing for an effective date. Thank you. >> Thank you, city manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I understand
there was a lengthy discussion on this and certainly mostly in the details provided by the city attorney during Wednesday's agenda review, but uh just to recap that we had entered into a settlement agreement with the Gates of Lake Region Homeowners Association that
was tied primarily back to uh a matter involving the electric utility payments associated with a lift station from when that subdivision was first constructed in the 1990s. and we were able to reach settlement on that whereby the city rightfully took on
the utility costs associated with a lift station that we uh we own and operate. However, in the process of doing all that, one of the things that we identified was that there was never an easement uh provided to the city or in favor of the city with respect to the municipal utility infrastructure that
exists within that subdivision. Um, so as part of the settlement agreement, they uh the Gates of Lake Region Homeowners Association did deliver a non-exclusive utility easement to the city. Uh, that was recorded in April of this year in the official record books
of Pulk County, Florida. And the proposed resolution R2616 formally accepts that non-exclusive utilities easement from the Gates of Lake Region Homeowners Association, Inc., there's no um financial impact associated with the passage of the
resolution adopting or accepting the uh non-exclusive utility easement and staff recommends the city commission approve resolution R2616 and authorize and or ratify any actions taken or to be taken by the city manager or designate related to this matter.
Thank you. >> City commission. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> Move approval of resolution R 2616. Okay, motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item. Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city
commission meeting. Any further questions or discussion on this item? >> Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed like sign. Motion carries. Resolution R-26-18. City attorney. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Resolution R-26-18, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, adopting a capital asset policy to establish guidelines for the identification, capitalization, recording, depreciation, safeguarding, and disposal of capital assets, providing for severability, the
administrative correction of scrier's errors, and providing for an effective date. Thank you. >> Thank you, city manager. >> Mr. Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, if it would please you, I'd like for Chris Reer, our chief financial officer, to present on this item this evening. >> Good evening, Mayor and Commissioners.
The issuance and management of capital assets is an important component of the city's financial strategy. A clear and comprehensive capital asset policy promotes consistent financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards. Strong internal controls and stewardship over public assets. Accurate
reporting of the city's capital investments. Standardized capitalization and depreciation practices. Accountability for the safeguarding and management of the city- owned assets. The policy will apply to all city departments, offices, boards, and acquires that, excuse me, agencies that
acquire, use, manage, and dispose of capital assets regarding regardless of their funding source. Some of the key provisions that we've imple implemented with this capital asset policy is the capital asset threshold setting it at $10,000. Asset categories, depreciation
standards, asset tagging and inventory, transfers and disposals, internal controls, and then the financial reporting and audit compliance. Overall, there's no financial impact associated with the adoption of the resolution. and staff does recommend the city commission approve the resolution R2618
establishing the city of Winter Haven's capital asset policy and authorizing city manager designated to take any further action there. >> Thank you. City commissioners, >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> Motion to approve resolution R 2618.
>> Okay, motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Commissioners, any other questions or comments on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I
>> oppose like sign. Motion carries. We've got no new business, so we'll move forward with liaison reports. Commissioner Birds. >> All right. Thank you. I only have one item and that was I was the commission
less on to the ward administration facility interviews where we interviewed uh they interviewed uh three contractors um for the uh water treatment facility out
on Buck Island Road. very very very interesting great presentations by companies and man the building that is going to be built is really going to be something special. So
>> and that item has been posted with a um uh recommendation to come before the city commission. So it is in its protest period until I believe midday Wednesday. All right, that's it. Commissioner Davis. >> All right, it's been a light couple of
weeks, but I um I was a guest speaker at the Pulk Visions youth leadership. They had um me and also schoolboard member Justin Sharpless uh present to the students on advocacy and then had us judge a group project on how to advocate. So that was a lot of fun. Um I
also was liaison for the planning commission last week and there were two special use requests. One was approved, one was denied. Um I'm not sure if the seven days. Do you have an update on that? >> Uh we do. Um so we have uh received a
request for a denovo hearing on the item that was um voted down by the planning commission and city attorney. Do you want to give any guidance to the commission on procedures from this point forward? >> Yeah, more to come on that. Um, there are some provisions in our code that
address the an applicant's ability. As the city manager noted, they had seven days from I believe the meeting was held on June 3rd, >> Tuesday, whatever that >> whatever date that was. Um, and so they have timely requests. I think the application came in today. >> Um, and so you will be hearing from the
city staff. There will be we're required to have this denovo hearing within 60 days of the date that the planning commission took its action. So that and we'll have to notice the meeting in the same manner as the planning commission meeting. Um and there are certain things
that the city comm um I'm not sure if all of you have were sitting on the commission at the time we've had a denovo hearing. Um but you are permitted to ask for briefs. We're permitted to set hearing dates. Um, but we will get more information to you as
we coordinate that with the applicant um, and the city commission's calendar. But I would probably suggest that we're looking at a um, a denovo hearing probably in July sometime, month of July. Um, subject to the city manager
and I having had a chance to discuss it and the mayor and commission. um probably might be a good idea to have a special meeting just to consider the denovo hearing request perhaps rather than having it in one of your regular meetings in July. Again, dependent on
schedules and calendars or coordinating it in conjunction with an agenda review possibly. We'll see. Um but that yeah, more to come on that. It involves a a small scale or large scale drinking establishment. and there will be
information that will be able to be presented to you all and you all will then have an opportunity to take a fresh look um at the application um and so more information on that will be forthcoming. It is a quasi judicial uh
matter that will come before this body. So I would um encourage you not to have any conversations uh with the applicant if they ask for them. um tell them to, you know, politely that they should present any information they wish for you to hear at the hearing, the public
hearing at which you will be considering these matters um or provide it to staff so that it can be submitted in conjunction with any materials that might be provided to the commission in advance of such a quasi judicial
hearing. Um and uh so general principles of when you deal with the matter, you all will be the judges of this matter as it pertains to this particular parcel. So um I would suggest that you you know refrain if someone tries to approach you
about it um that is related to the applicant to again um suggest that they not speak to you about it outside the course and scope of the noticed public hearing. You should approached by it. Please disclose it. Um so that we can
then cure any opportunity for exparte what they call communications. Um that's mainly to provide fairness and to provide an opportunity for there to be a level playing field by the applicant uh for their uh their relief that they're
requesting and to insulate you all as the judges in making that decision. along those lines. Um, other parties that are not the applicant, would they that may have an opinion or even be affected by it, would they also be considered expart communications or
>> I I would say other than staff, then yes. Um, so I would suggest that you try to limit your interaction with individuals that have opinions on that. again, if they have an opinion, have them come to the hearing um and express those at the hearing >> because I think that's that's the
important part is to have it at the public hearing. And and again, getting back to the fairness to the applicant so that they have an opportunity to hear if there's opposition to it that they can they can rebut it or they can address it if they can. So yeah, I would I would say that would apply not just to the
applicant but to anyone. >> Very good. >> Other than staff and of course the attorney in that I have nothing else to add for the planning commission. Um, and then the last thing I just want to mention, you know, we have before our next meeting, uh, we have Father's Day coming up in a couple weeks and I know there's
been sort of a n a nationwide movement towards, you know, Father's Day initiatives and so I just wanted to, uh, support that and say happy Father's Day to all the fathers in the room. >> Commissioner Dawson.
>> Yes. Question for speaking to the was contacted by someone concerning that not the owner but personally I guess is operating the establishment. >> Yeah, I I I I would I would refrain from
having any any further conversations with >> I did speak with Eric uh uh and he did share that with me as well and uh pretty much left it as such and told him much of that is a staff matter that it would be under review and whatever they bring
forward because indicate, you know, challenges that could exist as relates to our role in having to make a decision. So, I just want to for disclosure. >> Sure. I I would I would encourage you if you have individuals that wish to impart
information or provide your information, encourage them to come to the meeting >> uh during which you're going to make the decision so they can share that information with everyone on the record. >> And for the public, this is not a common proceeding. This is my understanding is this is the second time we've done this
in quite some time. So um the there is probably going to be a lot of questions from us trying to figure out how this works but I think the play is safe. We don't talk to any party about it and refer them to come to the public hearing >> and and as it just came in today the
request um it's timely and we'll be as I said I'll begin with the city manager and we'll be providing information to the commission. >> Mr. Mayor, I was able to u uh zoom in on the uh Ahack mandatory training and u I thank AJ for keeping me
reminded on that. Appreciate you. And then also for the Ahack meeting itself able to attend uh and also today I uh decided to walk through the uh the uh recreation cultural center. Today the
oldest bird song basketball is going on right now. And uh so he actually invited me to come and speak to uh the afternoon group and uh so I have a little few words to share with them as commissioner and but also as a citizen and uh just
appreciation for the uh space uh which is uh great to see him holding the basketball camp in a gymnasium that actually you know uh honors his name for the work that he has done through sport. And we all know that on tonight. I don't
know who you're pulling for, but uh but may the best team win. But that's all I have. >> Mayor Per Mercer. >> Yes. Um I attended the Coastal Hartland
National Estuary Programmer and um Winter Haven did receive a grant for the sediment activation on Lake Island. That was the big meeting. That's the only one that I think I attended another
meeting, but I didn't write it down. So, but I was going to bring back a lot more information so you guys could have the whole spill, but I'll save you that because I left it in the car. >> All right. Uh, so I was on a family vacation last week and it's amazing you
can now be on a cruise ship and attend a city commission meeting. So we uh I I jumped on and I was you know wanted to be a part of just miss you guys so much. >> So wanted to be part of agenda review
and uh >> that was you me and three other people online that night. >> Kind of what I figured. I I wasn't sure who the third was but I knew you and me were probably too. >> Um Mayor Pro Tim Mercer did excellent job. Thank you for filling in in my absence,
but uh family appreciated me being a part of the family vacation for the most part. Um so lot lot happened last week. I leave for one week and uh property taxes ended up on the ballot
coming up. So, I had a lot of time to kind of think about what was what was at stake and what what was coming up and what our role is, you know, going forward in these discussions and and what happens. And one of the things I
kind of thought about was, and I guess I I'll lean towards staff whether this is the right approach or not, but I kind of would like to have some workshops on, you know, where we are property tax-wise.
Um, I know we've got budget meetings here starting to come up here in the next couple of months, and I'm not looking to publicly display one way or the other on on what way someone uh should vote, but I I just kind of want
to be more educated on if the voters deem that this be the right path, what are the steps? I I want to be ready for those steps and I want to have some some discussions and thoughts and ideas because if if the voters deem that this
is the right path, then that that clock is going to get real short real fast on decisions that we need to make up here. Um, so I I guess let me let me lead with
that thought and I'll follow up with another question perhaps. >> So I can give you an update on my week of last week now or I can save it until my portion of the agenda as it pertains to property tax. You your preference, sir.
>> Well, I I I'm I'm kind of asking in the discussion now. Not to steal your thunder for later, but >> So, the governor called for special session F
last Monday and Tuesday in Tallahassee. Um, I traveled to Tallahassee uh early Monday morning. Um, and we'll prepare a travel uh fact sheet for the commission to um
approved post the travel on that one. Um had an opportunity to testify two separate committee meetings that day in the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as in the House State Affairs
Committee. Um very interesting dialogue and deliberations in both of those. Um the I'll tell you the uh the Senate's appropriations committee began at 3 p.m.
and it ended at 900 p.m. and they had two items to consider uh both pertaining to to property tax. the way that the bill the the joint resolutions came forward initially
addressed um or included a few unique elements. First, they didn't just pertain to municipal or county advalorum property taxes, but they also
initially included uh adalorum property taxes for homesteaded properties that are paid to school districts. Uh that was subsequently removed by an amendment in in both resolutions in the
house and in the in the senate. Um both included initially discussion of a trust fund that would be used to backfill or provide uh some financial support to uh counties,
municipalities, special districts, the like. Um there was not a funding mechanism associated with that as or defined in any way. that trust fund was removed from both joint resolutions.
Um there was also language within both that basically took what is present day an unrestricted revenue in advorum property taxes and made it a restricted revenue in such that it could those dollars
could only be used for very specific things. That was also amended because some of the things that it did not allow for was funding of constitutional offices, supervisor of elections, property appraiser, tax collector, clerk of the
court, such. that language was modified significantly that still provides some restrictions, but the way that it's worded, any um approved expenditures by a municipal or
county uh elected body would be authorized is a viable use or an approved use of property tax revenue. Um so those were like the the big amendments within it. So as it stands
today, it does not include schools. It does include cities, counties, special districts, water management districts. Um there is not a trust fund. Uh so any backfilling of shortfalls in revenues would be handled through the current
appropriations process. Um and it does not restrict the use of those revenues as it originally discussed. Some other unique things about the property tax um discussions.
There were a number of amendments offered up by our state legislators uh that were um certainly those that I just mentioned that were voted up. Some that were voted down included consideration
of a sunset clause. I think in the House they were requesting a three-year sunset clause. in the Senate, a five-year sunset clause, not knowing what the full impacts of property tax reform would be. It was a an effort to let's go through
the process if it's approved, um have a means to come back and make adjustments or amendments as need be uh versus just putting this into the constitution until end of days. Um that that was voted
down. uh an exemption. There was a number of exemptions that were proposed as separate amendments tied to protecting public safety. Uh special consideration for seniors, for child uh service organizations,
and for veterans. Those were all voted down. Um there was a request in both the House and Senate to a uh to amend the joint resolution.
Uh is the the ballot language that is proposed within it uh was was um is proposed did not align with how the the bill or the the resolutions were amended. So, the ballot language still
spoke to schools and still spoke to um a trust fund. However, that was not accepted either as an amendment. It was voted down. So, there's some I think uh some potential challenges out there on the ballot itself, the language. Uh
that's the next step is that the Department of State has has to receive that ballot language and go through the approval process in order for it to be placed on the ballot. Um the dialogue that took place within those committees
and I'm just reporting back you know the facts as I observed them. A lot of questions about the scoring of the joint resolution by a revenue estimating conference. Uh there is no scoring there. has not been any analysis of this
uh in terms of a financial impact to accompany the joint resolution. There is a house analysis um that projected upwards of about an 8 billion impact but um beyond that there's not really an
analysis and I did not get the sense that there would be an analysis in the immediate future on this as to what the financial impact is going to be. Um there was some discussion about
when you have cuts that would have you know in revenues coming in. Um there some of the bills that were considered leading into the regular legislative session and then the three bills that were considered
during the regular session talked about uh really safeguarding public safety that those could not be touched in any way uh in terms of reductions. That language is no longer in there. Um there are some there is some other legislation that was enacted John I think was 22
>> 22 that does put some um safety nets around public safety. Uh but it does not hold it necessarily the exact dollars it's being funded today. Um and again questions that came up specific to that
really came back to um if there's a an a jurisdiction that doesn't have the funds to provide this, they would have to pursue uh state assistance through the appropriations request process that is in play today.
We looked at what the estimated impact would be to Winter Haven based upon a $250,000 uh homesteaded property exemption. Our estimates based off of data we have from the the Pulk County Property
Appraiser is it would be about a $10.4 million impact. Um just to refresh your your memories from my budget presentations, city takes in roughly 31.5 million dollars in all adalorum property taxes. So that's
homesteaded and non-homesteaded residential and non-residential properties. So that accounts to a loss of about 32% of the adalorum property revenues coming in. Um the other roughly 68% is
commercial properties, uh rental properties, uh those that are not homesteaded. Um about 92% of the homesteaded residential properties in Winter Haven would pay
zero to the city with a $250,000 exemption. So you have about 8% of your residential homesteaded properties that would be covering, you know, contributing 92% that would not. In terms of the general
fund, we have about a 79 million general fund. Um, again, 31.5 million of that comes from property taxes. A $10.4 million revenue loss would be about a 12 plus% impact to the general fund.
Um, that creates some challenges and we'll have to to navigate what that would look like. Um, I I don't have the number off the top of my head as to what it would be in year one. So, this is a step up uh
exemption legislative measure. So in year one, it would increase the homestead property exemption from the maximum of 50,000 that it is today, not including any additional considerations for special
needs or um widows of law enforcement and some of those that are out there. But going I don't know what it would be going from 50 to 100,000. MJ just handed me a note says it's about 8.6 million. So that would be year one. Thank you. um
and then it would jump to 250,000 the year after that. So that's um that's really what we're looking at today. Um happy to you know engage in a workshop and that's probably a wise approach to
doing so. Um the it's this wouldn't take effect really and it wouldn't have its impact until the fiscal year 2728 budget. However, I think we have to be
extremely mindful of what we do with a fiscal year 2627 budget, not knowing how Florida voters would, you know, favor or disfavor that measure. And I say that because as I
look at presenting to you a budget, whatever I include for next year, I don't want to put something in there only to turn around and have to take it away the following year. Um, and that's impactful. You know, we're a we continue to grow as a community, not necessarily at the same
pace we did over the past five years, but you know, as we as we grow and we look at what our needs are within law enforcement, within fire rescue, within maintaining our our infrastructure, our parks, our streets.
Um, you know, as a community grows, the need for the staff to maintain that also increases. Yet our ability to increase that. I'm I'm very reluctant to do that right now because I don't want to
welcome on, you know, half a dozen new employees only to turn around a year later and say, can't I can't keep you. Um, so we're going to have to make some, I think, uh, some very strategic decisions on how we approach the budget.
Um, I've told my staff, city attorney, those that, you know, I've engaged in conversation that have had questions about this. It's not a winter haven issue. This is a statewide,
you know, conundrum to address. 411 cities, 67 counties, a number of special districts, um, water management districts fall within that. So, I I'd heard a number from the county of what the impact would
be to Pulk County and it's multiples of millions of dollars. I want to say in excess of somewhere around 50 plus million dollars to the county budget. Um, the water management district certainly will would feel a significant
um impact and have to to navigate that. Special districts, the one that is most impactful to us would be the Lake Region Lakes Management District or the Canal Commission. Um there was a number of and I shared this with Chief New Brand and my staff
this morning in those committee hearings, a number of uh fire chiefs from around the state who spoke on this. Florida has a pretty significant number of special districts for fire. Um, and
those would be also impacted without a means to recover through additional fees or charges, you know, to to make up the difference there. Um, but it's it certainly would be a a challenge to
maintain the level of service that we we have today. Um the alternatives in the loss of that revenue really come down to where can you make up or find new revenue through fees and charges. And
those are a delicate balance because the higher the fee uh for programs and services, you can also lower the participation for those. And that's there's a a very delicate balance that you have to address there. Um
certainly the ability to increase millage on your non-exempted properties comes into play. Uh that becomes a means to make that up. At the same time that puts a very uh significant burden back on others that on your business
community on your renters those that are struggling as it is with with rents being what they are. So um that's where it stands today. I think that another piece of that workshop that needs to be
uh discussed is what we can and cannot do with respect to communication. Um these forums are fine. You know, town halls, public meetings, responding to citizen inquiries and the like. We
cannot as an organization expend dollars to do mailers or campaigns um tied to a ballot measure. Um you all can certainly have opinions that is
clearly within the state statutes um within um Florida statute 106113 very clearly says that it does not preclude an elected official of a local government from expressing an opinion on
any issue at any time >> other than as set forth in subsection two. >> Right? >> So there is a qualifier in there that's very important I think. So, you know, we I think what we have to do is make sure we're communicating the facts
with how our budget works. I think we've done a good job of that over the past um several years. This is where the money comes from. This is what it goes to. Um and I'll answer any additional questions you may have at this time.
>> Yeah. I think >> what was the qualifier >> within section two? The main thing that section 106.113 states is a local government or person acting on behalf of a local government may not expend or authorize the
expenditure of public funds for a political advertisement or any other communication sent to electors concerning an issue, referendum or amendment. Uh this subsection applies to a communication initiated by a local
government or person person acting on behalf of the local government irrespective of whether the communication is limited to factual information or advocates for the passage or defeat of the issue. It does not preclude a local government from posting
factual information on a government website or in printed materials, posting and providing information at a public forum, providing factual information in response to an inquiry or providing information as otherwise authorized or
required by law. I think in the simplest terms and you know the the attorneys can certainly weigh in on this. You can't produce and do direct mailings and and those types of things. But uh um you know factual
information posted to a social media account that is managed by the city posted to a website is is allowed per my interpretation of this and towards uh based on what I've received from the Florida League of Cities as well. Um, but what you can't do is create
documents and do mass mailings and you know what we see during campaign season. >> And and to dovtail on that, you can't um engage someone to super uh superersize or to enhance the distribution of your
>> you can't boost your social media boost your social media and those kind of things. The the other thing that's important and we'll be working through we being myself and my law partners will be working with um you know our our resources to provide um more formal
guidance on you we want to be uniform. We want to make sure that we're not out on left field or right field. But I think the important point that the city manager made that I want to emphasize is that there is a distinction between being an elected official in this
process and being an appointed official in this process. And I think the elected officials have a little more flexibility in what they can say and what they can't say as it relates to this matter. Um, keeping in mind that another provision of this code, the elections code
provides that it's a misdemeanor to violate the election code law. And so you want to be very careful as certainly as as an elected official and an appointed official um how you navigate this minefield because that's what this
is. This is a minefield. Um we've not we've not had to experience this before. Um and we want to make sure that we're doing uh everything you know obviously uh in the proper way to to the best of our ability. Um I don't think there's
any um I have not had any conversations with any of my the professional associations yet that I've there have been some information presented by the Florida Police Officers Association and their attorneys which have advised police chiefs and various
appointed officials within that group. I'm not sure if you had any tones or than what the Florida League of Cities has provided. But um there are um this is a very this is a very um nuanced and
and kind of complicated area that we just have to we have to step carefully and I think the city manager has introduced it very well. Um and we will have more information as as we continue to unfold this process. Again, keep in
mind this just occurred. Um, and it is it is >> Oh, we knew it was coming. I mean, we we we knew something was coming. >> I mean, you say that, but the fact of the matter is that you don't know what's coming until it's here. >> Correct. We What form?
>> And so, I think that in order to be um in order to be uh consistent, we want to make sure that we deliver the message that that is appropriate. >> And one other thing I just want I mentioned this in the in the CRA meeting as well. you know, there's the direct
impact to the city. There's also the impact to the other agencies that we work with and and I mentioned Lake Region Lakes Management District um that they're taking care of, you know, infrastructure in our our own community. Lambad is another one that's a special
district that um you know could be be significantly impacted by that that how that affects us is that the provision of services for mass transit could be certainly impacted as well. So, I think, you know, and that's kind
of where I'm coming from is is I kind of sat back and I just watched my counterparts throughout the PK County make comments last week and posts and get, you know, get their opinions out there. And then I looked at other
municipalities and counties across the state and getting their opinion out. And everyone is on the defense of this. And I get that and I understand why they're on the defense.
I guess my mindset is I would rather be proactive in determining what the paths are going forward if at the will of the voters this is what they want. Because we all are up
here at the will of the voters. everybody who gets a paycheck from the city of Winter Haven is essentially here at the will of the voters. Um, if that's what they decide, then we're going to have to figure it out. And I just think that having some
dialogue and conversations via a workshop on, you know, what are our options? What I I'm not advocating for anything here. I'm not wanting a tax shift ultimately. I think that's what a lot of this may
boil down to. But are there fees that we would add potentially on tax bills? Are we, you know, there's now a $150 police fee? There's now $150 fire fee. There's now a, you know, is that allowed? I I
know you guys know the answer to this to those questions, but I think that's where it would be healthy for us to have those conversations and get some dialogue out there on what we can and can't do and then also start
to take a look at the budget. And there's going to be a lot of difficult conversations that are going to be had in cutting this item or cutting that item. But the earlier we can get to work on this, the better. And if the will of the
voters is to not vote this through and it doesn't pass at 60%. I don't think we've wasted our time. I think we can take that knowledge and take that information forward and figure out where can we make adjustments, where
can we make cuts so that the citizens of Winter Haven improve their affordability for owning a home. Um because again like I said everything that I saw
was you know pro municipality pro government pro you know this we we've got to keep it but what about pro- citizen and I think that's where this whole thing starts from is we've got to
be more perceptive to what our citizens needs are when when it comes to affordability and um you I I just think there's there's a lot of work that needs to be done and the
sooner that we can get to that the better. And Winter Haven is probably, you know, I've said this before, I think Winter Haven's probably one of the most well positioned cities in the state of Florida
to weather this storm. But don't take that from me stating that this is going to be easy. It's it's going to be difficult. It's going to be a challenge. It's going to um change the landscape
going forward in the city of Winter Haven and throughout the state. Again, you know, the sooner we can get on this, the better. So, that's what I'm calling for is some workshops and some discussions so that we can start to dive into this thing.
sooner than later. If any of the other commissioners have a comment, but yeah. >> Um I just heard you say that the special districts could not change over to fees. Um >> some of them >> some of them can't.
>> It would depend on their charters or how they were established and what their funding sources would be, how they would be able to their organic bodies. I don't know what you It seems like it would be um you know the next step would be to go to that if
you can't have ABR to go to a fee and they would be pretty positioned because they're in an enclosed area and and whatever you know um so I just you know would think that would that would be
really hard if you couldn't collect adalor taxes and you could not go to a fee structure so that you're out of business and I guess Washington really find something else. So >> other things to be talked about in the workshops moratorium. >> Yeah, I think you know this would be
historic. I haven't been in for all my life but I'm assuming that if this were to pass this would be historic. This has never been done before. So this is in itself you know Lakeland is like $14 million. what they're talking about. Um, I think the education part of it, you're exactly right, on ourselves, but also
the public themselves, I think, are not necessarily as well informed as they perhaps need to be. They'll be making a decision about what direction they'll go with this in terms of their vote. How they're informed will be, you know, I'm not sure
what vehicle, what methods would be other than outside groups, other groups. I'm assuming the city can't or we cannot advocate. What is that? >> We cannot we can't retain people. >> That's what I'm saying. One way or the other. No, I'm just saying even even sharing putting out any type of
information or anything of that nature other than stating the facts. This is what possibly would happen. >> Well, slippery slope too, right? >> That is a slippery slope because you can't you don't want to intimidate or coers or any of that. So, it really
comes down to here's here's the numbers of what you how the budget functions is really what it comes down to and here's what it goes to to show that you know it's it's very consistent with what we've done. I can say certainly for the
four years that I've I've sat in this seat of this is why we have a budget and brief. This is where the money comes from. This is what the money goes to. >> If it were to pass, how would impact what
>> not this not the budget that we are preparing today but the one that would be this time a year from now. However, it certainly influences decisions that would be made in the one we're preparing now >> because if you have a multi-year
project, well, you don't necessarily want to start that project. If you're going to budget for personnel, if you're going to budget for compensation, you know, you're you're doing that
with the risk of not having the dollars to sustain it. Um to advance a project, to acquire land, to, you know, expand a service. Those are things that you just don't know. It's like it's like working
with your own personal budget and that you want to do. I want to buy a car. I want to buy a home. You know, here's what my revenue is off of my employment. If that employment is in question, do you make that decision the same way,
>> Commissioner B? >> Well, I you know, this has only been made uh a fact to us in the last week.
Now the thing is is I've read and saw a lot of stuff on social media and and everywhere else that the the the the whole crux of this matter is that
the five of us sitting up here at this point. We cannot we cannot take a $10 million uh budget reduction and handle that. So my
point the point that I'm making is simply this is that uh there are two things. Number one, yeah, we know what the the we you all can project what that uh shortfall will
be, but there is also some other nuances around what's in that potential uh legislation that we don't know. We don't know what we can do and what we
cannot do. And so I agree with uh Mayor uh Yates that we need to start start now to sort of zoom in on that to look at it. And I would like to look at it not only from the standpoint of uh the
potential of of what's going to be reduced, what we're going to have to cut, but I also want to be looking at what we would need to do in order to uh generate additional revenues and what would the sources be, what are the
limitations, what we can do and what we can't do because I do know that in the past we have looked had other ways to generate revenues as opposed to just entirely on the
avalorum revenues. And so I know we have done that. So I'd like to have it be all-encompassing where we're looking at it all. But my the key thing with me is that I know my limitation.
Okay, I know my limitation as it relates to the budget that we spend, the budget that we make, and how it's generated. I know my limitations there. So, in order for me to be more educated and to to
help move this forward, I would like you all to do what you've done in the past. You got to look at it from the standpoint of presenting it to us so that we as a group can look and make
some decisions. So, and earlier we get started in that direction, I think the uh the better off we will be no matter what may happen. And so that's
that's and I agree with that wholeheartedly that that's something that we need to do. And I'm going to say one final thing. I've sat up here long enough to uh have commissioners that have come here and said what we need to
do is go back to zerob base uh budgeting. And uh I for one said that we don't have the time to do that. We don't get paid enough to even start trying to do that because
that is so timeconsuming. So um we have a challenge but I know we can I'm confident that we can meet whatever challenges thrown matters. >> Yes.
City attorney. >> Nothing. >> City manager. >> Oh, let me think. Um, it was a good trip to Tallahass to see the process, to see how how that
whole thing comes together. And Commissioner Davis, you were in that for a long time. Um, it's a it's it's I would encourage everyone at some point in your life
to make it a priority to be in the room because that's that's your responsibility as a citizen to be a part of that process. Um, now the only other thing I would mention is that we do have Ridge League of Cities uh Thursday
evening. I think a few of you may be attending that in Davenport. Main Street Winter Haven also has a downtown event on Thursday evening. Um, and I'll mention this again next week. However, following next week's uh agenda review
session, I'll be uh taking some personal time beginning that evening post meeting uh into the next week and Mr. Carnival will uh handle things in my absence, including your next city commission meeting, which I believe mayor Yates,
you may also be absent from at that point. So, um and I think that's that's all I have for now. >> Deputy City Man, >> just one item this evening, sir. Just wanted to let you guys know that we are still continuing to pursue a quiet zone for rail crossings within the city.
That's something I've gotten a lot of questions about recently. >> I thought that had been done. Um we uh we we've sought out some expertise uh from a consultant who specializes in cooperating with the railroads uh to try to figure out what our next step is after some of the
recent setbacks we've had. So but we are continuing to pursue it. Just don't want anybody to lose hope there. >> Deputy city clerk.