Good afternoon. I'd like to call to order the regular city commission meeting for this the 22nd day of September, 2025. Can I get a roll call, please? Yes, Mr. Mayor. Commissioner Dolison
here, Commissioner Mercer here, Commissioner Dansler here, Mayor Prom Yates here, and Mayor Bong here. So, we are going to be uh invocation is going to be by Minister Abdul Akativ from the First Missionary
Baptist Church. Just hold up one second. and we're going to be led in the pledge of allegiance by the Montasuri school students. And so after what I this is what I want
to take place is after the invocation I want all of you all to come down front to lead us in the pledge. All right. Yes sir. All right. Minister Alcat please stand if Mr. Mayor Commission is their honor to
provide the invocation. Let us pray. Almighty God, we gather in this chamber with hearts humbled by the privilege to serve. We thank you for the city of Wah Haven, a place of beauty, resilience, and promise. As this commission meets, we ask for your divine guidance. Let
wisdom flow through every conversation. And may each decision reflect justice, compassion, and the common good. Lord, bless our mayor, commissioners, and all who labor for the welfare of this city. Strengthen them with integrity, patience, and vision. May they lead not
for personal gain, but for the flourishing of every resident from the youngest child to the eldest neighbor. We lift up our community, families, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Let peace dwell in our streets, and let hope rise in every heart. As Jeremiah 29
reminds us, may we seek the peace and prosperity of the city you have carried us to and in its welfare find our own. We commit this meeting into your hands. May your presence guide us and your purpose prevail. In your matchless and
marvelous name we pray. Amen. Amen. Class, please come forward. Please follow me. Yes. Let's go down. Let's go down. We want to say thank you for allowing our student to be here as an emotional
student. I mean teacher, I should say. Um, you might see a little tears shedding from me, but um, tonight we have our director and our owner, Miss Vega and Miss Courtney here with us tonight and several parents. We've been
um, doing a lot of civil government the last couple of weeks. In my class, I've got third, fourth, and fifth grade. So, my name is Mr. Tom, and I'd like to call everyone to order. Everyone order. Face the flag. Right hand over our heart.
I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Everybody step up
close. [Music] [Applause] All right, we're going to look here and then we'll let the count of three. One, two, three. One more. All right, keep trying.
Again, thank you so much. [Music] She never did. So, we'll move on. May God bless each and every one of us. May Winter Haven continue to strive. Yeah. just starting.
[Music] That's right. [Music] All right, what a great way to open a meeting. Uh, so we'll move right into our first proclamation for Constitution Week and Miss Laura Stokes, the regent for Pon Deleó chapter of the National Society for the Daughters of the
American Revolution is here. You can come forward to the podium. Whereas September 17, 2025 marks the 238th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. And whereas it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this magnificent
document and the anniversary of its creation and the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion. And whereas public law 915 guarantees the issuance of a proclamation each year by the president of the United States of America designating September 17 through 23rd as Constitution Week. Now
therefore, Nathaniel J. Birdong Jr., mayor of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, does hereby proclaim September 17th through September 23rd, 2025 as Constitution Week in the city of Winter Haven, Florida, and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals that the framers of the Constitution had in 1787. and
witness whereof he is here into set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida to be affixed this 22nd day of September, 2025. Signed, Nathaniel J. Birdong, Jr., Mayor, the city of Winter Haven. Attest Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. The Ponellion chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, is proud to accept a Constitution Week proclamation from the city of Winter Haven in observance of the 238th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. September 17th through the 23rd is set aside for Constitution Week. The annual
celebration was established when when signed into law by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. Since then, the D has been promoting Constitution Week in our local communities by obtaining Constitutional Week proclamations from mayors, placing
displays in public places, distributing Constitution books to students, participating in bells across America, and more. Mayor Bird Song and commissioners, thank you for joining us in the celebration of the America of America's most important document, the
US Constitution. Okay, comes I'm glad somebody came, two more, two Perfect. Thank you.
[Applause] All right. Our next proclamation this evening is in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, and I will ask Vanessa Castillo, our city clerk, uh, to come down and receive it with other members of our employee engagement team. Whereas the theme for Hispanic Heritage
Month 2025 is collective heritage, honoring the past, inspiring the future. This theme emphasizes celebrating the rich cultural traditions and historical journeys of Hispanic and Latin American communities while simultaneously looking ahead to the future contributions and innovation of these communities. And
whereas on September 17th, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the National Hispanic Heritage Week bill which authorized the president to designate the week of September 15th as National Heritage Week, National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was first observed in 1968. In 1998, President
Ronald W. Reagan signed into law the creation of National Hispanic Heritage Month. And whereas from America's earliest days, Hispanic Americans have played a prominent and important role in our national heritage, National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and recognize and honor the significant
achievements of US Hispanic communities, which have influenced American culture and enriched the fabric of our society. Hispanic and Latin American people can trace their roots to Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, consisting of Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and smaller Spanish-sp speakaking islands.
And whereas Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States today, generations of Hispanic Americans have consistently helped make our country strong and prosperous and embody the best of American values, including commitment to faith, family, and country. They serve with honor in all branches of the armed forces,
continuing a strong legacy in lifting up their communities and the economy as entrepreneur entrepreneurs, executives, and small business owners, and make contributions in areas of arts, science, music, politics, academia, government, and sports. And whereas the Hispanic American community has left an indelible
mark on our government, culture, and economy, they continue to embody the pioneering spirit of America today. Now, therefore, Nathaniel J. Birdsong Jr., mayor of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, does hereby proclaim September 15th through October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the city of Winter Haven, and its continued
efforts for diversity and inclusivity. Urge all citizens to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans in our nation's history and in our community. and witness whereof he is here to set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida to be affixed this 22nd day of September 2025. Signed,
Nathaniel J. Birdong Jr. Mayor attest Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. [Applause] Good evening. I will give greetings in Spanish. Alcales mayoral mayor promisio
commissioners administ which is our deputy city manager eugat which is the city attorney Johnosia everyone in the audience my name is Vanessa excuse me my name is Vanessa
Castillo city clerk for the city of Winter Haven and I'm honored to once again serve as chairperson for this year's Hispanic Heritage Month employee lunchon. On behalf of the city's employee engagement committee along with our Hispanic and Latino employees and residents, I want to sincerely thank you
for presenting us with the city's sixth proclamation recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month, or as we proudly say in Spanish, Miss National Dearencia Espana. While not all committee members could be here tonight, I want to acknowledge their dedication
and hard work in ensuring that every aspect of our celebration is both meaningful and engaging. To launch this month of recognition, the team here behind me here. Um, we want to Okay. The team is thrilled to
host our fifth Hispanic Heritage Month lunchon for city employees and special guests this Friday, September 26th. This event has become a cherished tradition, always receiving enthusiastic feedback and growing anticipation from employees each year, including many of you. We are excited to continue this legacy of
celebration, education, and community pride. And again, I couldn't have done it without this fabulous team that I have behind me, which is the employee engagement committee. Thank you very much. [Applause]
And in case you're wondering, the buttons that they're all wearing actually have their titles in Spanish. How long have you lived here? One, two, three. One more. Okay, we have no developments of uh
note. Commissioners, you have uh the minutes, Mr. Mayor. Yes. Motion to approve the minutes of the August 25th regular city commission meeting minutes. The September 3rd city
commission agenda review minutes in their entirety. Thank you. I will close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to these minutes may do so at this time. Seeing none, close the public hearing,
reopen the city commission meeting. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I I opposes by the same sign. Hearing none, the minutes are adopted. All right, we
I'm going to order this second reading, but state law requires the substantive issue to be discussed at this hearing are naming of the taxing authority
which is the city of Winter Haven. The roll back rate is 6.2254 mills. The percentage increase in the millage rate over the
roll back rate is 5.86%. The millage rate to be levit is 6.59 0. The reasons Avalor tax revenues are increasing. The Avalor proceeds
resulting from the difference between the proposed millage rate and the roll back rate will be used to offset increased operating costs and fund capital projects.
City attorney, would you read the ordinance in its entirety? Thank you, Mr. Mayor Commission. Ordinance number O-25-28, an ordinance of the city of Winterhaven, Florida, adopting a millage rate to provide sufficient funds for projected expenditures of the 2025-2026
fiscal year budget of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, providing for severability and providing for an effective date. Whereas on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, the city of Winter Haven held a public hearing as required by Florida statute 200.065. And whereas a budget has been prepared
estimating expenditures and revenues of the city for the ensuing year with detailed information including revenues to be derived from sources other than advalorum levy and recommendations have been made as to the amount to be appropriated for the ensuing year. And whereas the city of Winter Haven strives
to provide a level of service consistent with the expressed desires and demands of its citizens. And whereas it is necessary that taxpayers of Winter Haven also be willing to share the common expenditures of said services and to provide funds. Therefore, now therefore being enacted by the people of the city win from Florida as follows. One, the
millage levy for fiscal year 2025 2022 is hereby set at a rate of 6.5900 mills. Number two, the millage rate of 6.5900 is 5.86% higher than the roll back rate of 6.2254.
Number three, if any word, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this ordinance for any reason is held to be unconstitutional, void, or invalid, the validity of the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected thereby. Number four, the ordinance will take effect on October 1st, 2025, introduced and passed on first reading after a
public hearing on September 10th, 2025, and considered on second reading this 22nd day of September, 2025. Thank you. Thank you, s Deputy City Manager. Thank you. Good evening, mayor and city commissioners. Uh Florida statutes require each stashing authority to
annually set a millage rate for property taxation following the required public hearings. City commission set the proposed rate of 6.59 mills at the July 23rd, 2025 city commission meeting. The property appraiser used that information to prepare a trim notice which were distributed in August. As part of the annual budget process, each September,
the city commission establishes the advalor mill rate for the ensuing fiscal year. The mill rate must be established by ordinance and have a public hearing at each of the two readings of the ordinance. The ordinance is read in its entirety at each public hearing. The first of which was September 10th, 2025 and the second is this evening. Uh this
is for the new fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025. The 6.59 mil adalorum rate will generate 31,22,469 to the city's general fund at a collection rate of 96.5%. And staff recommends the city commission approve ordinance 02528.
Thank you commissioners. Mr. Mayor, yes. Motion to approve ordinance 0-25-28 adopting the mill rate for fiscal year 2025 through 2026. Thank you. I will now close the commission meeting. Open the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to or
on 2528 may do so at this time. Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing. Reopen the city commission meeting. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I.
I. opposes by the same sign. Hearing none, ordinance 02528 is adopted. Ordinance 02529 would read in its entirety again. City manager, I mean city attorney. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Commission.
Ordinance number 0-25-29, an ordinance making appropriations of funds for defraing the expenses of the municipal government of the city of Winter Haven for fiscal year 2025-2026. adopting the budget of the city winter Florida fiscal year commencing October 1 2025 as the official budget of the city
winter Florida fiscal year 2025- 2026 provided for severability providing an effective date whereas Florida statutes require each taxing authority to annually adopt tenative and final budgets and whereas the city of Winterman has held workshops and commission meetings regarding the fiscal year 2025 2026 budget and whereas
estimates have been made by the city manager of the city of Winter Haven as presented in the budget of the city of Winter Haven Florida fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025 showing that the sum of $216,326,66 will be required for defraing the expenses of maintaining the government of the city win from Florida for the
fiscal year 2026-20 pardon me 2025-2026. And whereas the budget of the city went here from Florida fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025 anticipates sufficient revenues to fund projected expenditures of 216,326,66.
Now therefore be enacted by the people of the city of Winter Haven, Florida as follows. Number one, the sum of $216,326,66 is hereby appropriated out of all of the various revenues acrewing to the city of Winter Haven and set aside for the purpose of paying the expenses of and maintaining the government of the city
of Winter Haven for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Number two, the budget of the city of Winham Florida fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025 on file in the office of the city clerk is hereby adopted by reference as the official budget of the city of Winter Haven Florida for fiscal
year 2025-2026. Number three, if any word, sentence for it, clause, phrase, or provision of this ordinance for any reason is held to be unconstitutional, void, or invalid, the validity of the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected thereby. Is the intention of the city commission that sections of this ordinance may be
reumbered or relettered and the word ordinance may be changed to chapter, section, article, or such other appropriate order phrase in order to accomplish such intentions. And that sections of this ordinance may be reumbered or relettered in the correction of typographical and/or scriveners errors which do not affect the intent and be authorized by the city
manager or his designate without need of public hearing by filing a corrected or recodified copy of same with the city clerk. Number five, this ordinance shall take effect in October 1, 2025. Introduced on first reading after a
public hearing on September 10th, 2025. Considered tonight on second reading public hearing this 22nd day of September, 2025. Thank you. Thank you, Deputy City Manager. Florida statute requires each taxing
authority to annually adopt tenative and final budgets. The law also requires that local government hold a public hearing prior to the adoption of each of those budgets. the trim notice which was sent to all property owners in August and notified them of the proposed millage rig and date of the first hearing. The tenative budget has been
prepared based on the city's needs and commission directives authorized at the budget workshop held in July of this year. Those directives included the adoption of the current mill rate of 6.59 mills. The city budget for fiscal year 2526 is $216,326,66 and staff recommends city commission
approve ordinance O2529. Now, you've seen budget presentations in full uh at your previous hearings, but we wanted to just hit some highlights uh tonight and kind of hit those high areas of focus. Um so, the total budget is just under 252 million. You might remember there's that difference there
from the 216 in the fact sheet. uh that is part of the cash carry forward. Uh you also may recall that it is $45 million less than last year's budget. Much of much of that is a difference due largely to capital projects that were budgeted in fiscal year 25. Things like Lake Elbert, Winter Haven Recreation and
Cultural Center, uh Chain of Lakes Park. U the mill rate remains steady at 6.59 mills, which is the same as it has been since fiscal year 22. Uh and this year it'll generate just over $31 million in advorum revenue. uh the gross tax taxable property value in the city has
increased by 12% and the bulk of that about 10% of that 12 as from new development within the city and the general fund budget is just above $79.5 million and we will retain a 31% fund balance in the general fund this year. Uh and you may recall from city
manager's email on Friday um that fund balance and that reserve uh was was clearly noted in our Fitch rating uh when they improved our credit rating. Uh that the policies that create that fund balance and the way that you all have decided to manage that is looked upon very favorably uh by our creditors.
Uh we also have a focus on employees. So included in the budget are marketbased salary adjustments that helped keep us competitive in recruitment and retention with a total of 766 positions this year. uh some new which we've reviewed previously. Uh big focus on public safety in this year's budget. Uh seven
of the new positions are in the areas of police and fire. Uh specifically three new officers and four firefighters. Uh we have construction of fire station 5 included in this year's budget and a significant investment in police rolling stock. I was uh meeting with the chief earlier. I think we're replacing about 30 police vehicles this year uh to make
sure they have reliable vehicles to provide that service. Uh we have focus on economic support. So 1.29 29 million funded with external partners and service providers. Uh recall these are nonprofits achieving things that are a priority of the community but not things we do directly. So things like food
ministry, mass transit, our partnerships with keep winter haven clean and beautiful, keep pulk county clean and beautiful and grant aid uh your grant aid program is included in there as well. And then about a million dollars in economic support uh for programs focused on affordable housing, homeless initiatives and small business programs.
And then last but not least, a focus on infrastructure. So 9.3 million invested into transportation improvements, 2 million of which is into your annual resurfacing program to keep roads uh in the community in good shape. And 43.3 million of that is into water sewer
infrastructure improvements. Um 2.43 million of that is in water sewer repair and replacement. So that is taking care of the system we have. Commissioners, Mr. Mayor. Yes. Motion to approve ordinance 0-25-29
adopting the budget for fiscal year 2025 through 2026. Thank you. I will close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to ordinance 02529 may do so at this time. Seeing none, I close the uh public
hearing and reopen the city commission meeting. Any discussion, comments? All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I. I. Opposes by the same sign. Hearing
none, we have adopted a budget for fiscal year 2026. Comments from the audience. No one signed up. However, if someone came in and didn't have an opportunity to sign up that would like to address
this commission, you may do so at this time by coming forward, stating your name and address for the record. All right, seeing none, we have no other ordinances u second reading. So, commissioners, you have the
consent agenda. Go ahead, Mr. Mayor. Uh, motion to approve the consent agenda as a whole. Thank you. I will close the commission meeting and open the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to any item on
the consent agenda may do so at this time. Seeing none, I'll close the uh public hearing. Reopen the city commission meeting. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I I
opposes by the same sign hearing none. The consent agenda is adopted in its entirety. All right. Resolutions. Resolution R2548.
Would you read by Tyler? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Resolution R-25-48, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Winhammer, Florida, updating the grant and aid application review committee and related provisions and providing for severability, the administrative correction of scriveners errors, a repealing clause, and
providing for an effective date. Thank you. Thank you, Deputy City Manager. In 2022, the commission established the grant aid application review committee. Uh this was initially formed by each commissioner recommending an individ individual for appointment to a three-year term. Three of the original
five members agreed to continue serving for a second three-year term beginning in 2025. Two of the seats were vacated for various reasons and then were refilled by the city commission. R248 makes some updates to the uh grant aid review committee process. So, it
removes specific committee members names from the resolution. It requires committee vacancies to be advertised by the city clerk for applications and then they'll be reviewed and then presented to the city commission um who ultimately make the recommendation. an appointment. The annual meeting time frames rather
than having specific dates in there, those will go to uh just kind of time frames so we can plan for those a little better. And the original resolution listed three specific tax specific staff members, but as those change over time, uh it's makes more sense to allow city manager appoints
every year to that committee. And following adoption of R2548, one currently vacancy will be advertised and a recommendation for appointment will be brought back to the city commission. Additionally, a fall planning meeting of the grant and aid committee will be held in preparation for the 2026 application cycle. There's no financial impact
associated with the passage of R2548. Staff recommends the city commission approve resolution 2548 and authorize the city manager and/or is designated take any and all necessary actions related there too. Thank you commissioners. Mr. Mayor, yes. Motion to approve resolution R248.
Thank you. I will close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to resolution R2548 may do so at this time. Seeing none, close the public hearing, reopen the commission meeting. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known
by saying I. I opposes by the same sign. Hearing none, resolution R248 is adopted. We have no ordinances. First reading. We have a new business item 15A. City manager.
This is the contribution agreement with Southeastern University as they look to expand into downtown Winter Haven and to occupy the upper floor of the recently renovated exchange building located at 250 Magnolia Avenue Southwest. Southeastern intends to maintain administrative, faculty, and student
presence at this location. To facilitate the expansion of their university into downtown, a contribution agreement between the city and Southeastern has been developed. identifies certain performance metrics to be achieved by Southeastern over the next three years and it's subject to successful completion of annual performance metrics
and if they complete those the city shall contribute up to $50,000 per year for three years. The financial impact associated with contribution is up to 50,000 per year for three fiscal years totally a maximum contribution of about $150,000. Year one funding will come from an
increase to interest income as identified by the finance team and payments for years two and three will be budgeted for in the appropriate fiscal years during the normal budgeting process. Staff recommends the city commission approve the contribution agreement and authorize the mayor and other city officials to execute the same and for the city manager or his design
take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the terms of the contribution agreement. Thank you commissioners. Mr. Mayor, yes. Motion to approve the cons um contribution agreement seu.
All right. Thank you. I will close the commission meeting. Open the uh public hearing. Anyone wishing to speak to this item may do so at this time. Seeing none, close the uh public hearing. We open the city commission meeting. All those in favor. Mr. Mayor, before you all vote, um Mr.
Commissioner Dancler mentioned at you meaning got a conflict and I've signed the form here giving it to the city clerk at this time and I will not be voting. All right. So all those in favor of the motion let it be known by saying I I
I opposes by the same sign. There's nobody else left. Nobody left. All right. So, um the contribution agreement with the Southeastern University
is passed. City Commissioner Leon reports. Commissioner Mercy. Um I did uh participate in honoring our heroes in the freedom walk on September 11th and um I had conflicts with some of
the rest of them either work or personal so uh of the others so I didn't make some other than that I didn't make the rest of them. Commissioner Dassler. Um went to the uh my next and my last
meeting with the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust over in um over in Clear or St. Pete and I understand Mr. Yates was there and I didn't see you. You came over there the next day. We passed on the I4. So yeah, I uh I had had to leave the I went to the chamber annual meeting of
course. Great job uh with the chamber over at Noro and I had to leave bail out just a little bit early from that meeting to get over to my FMIT meeting. know doing needed to be in two places at once. Uh we had a Theater Winter Haven golf tournament. Theater Winter Haven, this was their third annual golf
tournament. Um they raised I'm going to step out on a limb and say at least 15,000 maybe 20,000 but it was a great time. Everybody had so much fun and that's become quite an event. also went to the uh Freedom Walk and um uh
listened to the the bag pipes and we had a new bag I think it was a new bagpipe player but um very good and just for those that are wondering today is a summer solstice so this you know this is why we're all not summer solstice but it's the last day of the summer so no more wearing
at 2:30 huh 2:30 2:30 that's right so uh no more wearing summer clothes after today so um and last but not least, I just wanted to talk to my fellow commissioners and also to staff about I took an interesting
tour out at Certoma and uh the football baseball complex and we have a first of all the turf out there is in great shape. The people taking care of the fields are doing such a good job and our baseball building is new renovated and been you know very nice and I can
remember that back in the 70s when I played out there when there were two baseball fields rave and race. place has grown tremendously and what I've come to understand is that there is unprecedented cooperation now between the football comp guys and the baseball
guys. Normally I've come to understand that there was always some sort of a headbutting. There was there weren't a lot of cooperation but now and uh cooperation out there is is really really good. And I wanted us to focus on
the football and the football structure primarily because that building is old and it's been added on and it's been fixed and it's been painted and it's been lipstick on a pig or whatever you want to call it. But we we kind of fix that building up and fix that building
up and fix that building up. I think it's time that we as a commission really focus on the football building, not the baseball, the football building. And um we have 361 kids out there now playing football and you throw in the baseball kids, you're gonna have over 750 kids
out there. So things like um parking if if if we can get and what I suggest that we consider is one master board out there that cover that covers both football and baseball. And of course you can still have your baseball board and your football board to kind of do the day-to-day stuff. But now in the spirit
of cooperation that we have, maybe we can have some sort of a master board that would answer to Julie and crew to kind of look at the whole project, the whole complex as a whole. And I know there's there's talk of some changes going on out there with the city potentially, you know, buying the place,
getting more land. I don't know exactly where we are with all that, but this would be a good time, I think, to maybe redo the place. Let's get the parking consistent for both football and baseball. Let's put some money into the football building and get it to where
it's uh there's, you know, places where they can keep all their equipment and make the building, you know, a real nice concession stand and things like that. That's befitting of a of a facility that has that many children out there. I mean, Coach Tay, you know, our football coach, our previous football coach is
out there having clinics two days a week and they're packed. There's not another room out there for kids. They're coming out there to learn how to play football and that's going to do nothing but make Winter Haven High School football and Lake Region football programs better because they're getting all this training from Coach Tate and from others. So, I just I want to throw it
out there that as we move forward out there, there's some real opportunity. You know, I had for 10 years I have harped on the fact that we should get the pony league kids out of there, move the pony league kids, those are the 13 year olds, and move them to the new the new baseball fields. Take that space,
maybe put T-ball there, and all the T-ball facilities can be parking. And we can re redesign that whole place for parking and get football and baseball cooperating to where they can kind of work together when they're when they're um you know, for the parking and for
things like that. So, I won't be here next year, but I'm throwing it out there as a as a challenge to you guys that there's a real opportunity now. The the both sides are really getting along good. They all want to work together to pull this off. We don't need a lot of work on the baseball. We've done all
that. The fields look great. We just got to pay a little bit of attention to the football complex. So, and and more and more kids are coming in from all over from other comp from other programs and um it's growing and it's getting bigger and we just need to pay a little bit of
attention. You guys are out there. You I don't know if you took a tour of the place. I did and it needs some work and I don't know if we can keep painting it and fixing it or we tear it down and start over. But I think I think we need to I think we need to move that up the list is what I'm
trying to get to. So, thank you, Mayor, for indulging me. I just wanted to put that out there for for consideration. So, all right, Commissioner Dles. Oh, thank you. I was able to get to the uh freedom walk and uh you're right, the
uh bag pipes was uh was amazing, but just, you know, the whole uh recognizing, honoring uh 911 and uh what it meant so what it has meant to all of us who remember that day so so well.
the tragedy of that day, but also the triumph. Um, and also our men and women who uh are first responders and recognizing their contribution um to uh run to a situation while others are trying to get away from it.
Uh just makes you really appreciate you know those who uh put themselves in that in that position. So we it was just wonderful to honor them. but the memory of those who uh who did in fact uh sacrifice their lives. Uh so that's uh
that was a highlight for me and I was out on vacation last week so I didn't have an opportunity to do much more than that. So I'll end with that. All right. Thank you. Now pro Tim. Thank you. Um yes so I also attended the
freedom walk and those um that memorial there on September 11th. It's totally sure how many people come. I really expected to see a bigger crowd this year. Um especially with the current events that have occurred as of late. Um
and then you go on social media and it's like, well, I didn't know anything about it. So, every year, September 11th, same date, we have a Freedom Walk downtown Winter Haven. come out, enjoy it, and celebrate our
heroes um and all that they do for us in Winter Haven and and for all those throughout the nation. It's really I if I'm not mistaken, I think Winter Haven's the only one that puts a memorial service together on September
11th in Pole County. Um it's a great partnership with other municipalities and so hopefully we can really pack South Central Park in the years to come for that event. But it's a great event. Please don't stop doing it. Um from lack
of attendance because the people that do come are greatly appreciative that we do it. I couldn't tell you how many people in the days after that said just you thank you for doing that. So, thank you for staff for putting that on. I look
forward to next year's event and uh and hopefully we'll again, like I said, pack that house uh on on September 11th next year. Um, with that being said, I I had to take a moment. I have an opportunity to have a Bruce Lions moment,
and I've just got to take it. So, we were at a board meeting in St. Pete for the uh Florida League of Cities. This is my first board meeting. So, we had our orientation. Everything went well. Had the board meeting and a presentation during that
board meeting was a new product that the that the Florida League is developing that'll be just a gamecher for municipalities across the state, across the country, and then eventually into the private sector. I can't tell you
anything more about it. But it's going to be incredible. So with that, that's my presentation for tonight. That's you. I'm done. M Pro Yates,
you can't have a Bruce Lions moment. I just did. You did? And we're not going to accept it. So, you got to tell us something else. But no, on a serious note, uh congratulations again. Uh one of the
things that uh we did was the the Ridge League where the new officers were uh sworn in and uh just making sure that you're on the board and so congratulations.
Um the Ridgley uh dinner was in Lakeland. I had my lakes uh advisory committee meeting um PRWC meeting, the chamber annual
meeting which was a great event and uh I did the the walk as well. You know, we walked how many miles? Half a mile. 20. It was no 20 miles. We walked a half a
mile, baby. Uh, and the, uh, one of the things that I really, really, uh, enjoyed was the naming of, uh, New Beginnings High School. The Winter Haven
campus was named in honor of Sam Kibru. And uh basically it was there were a lot of
people at that event. Uh Senator Burton was there and so I mean it was well well attended and also the lab was named after Sita Tinsley
and so I mean it was really really really a great event. the brother cooperated and uh just wanted to say that New Beginnings High School now has three different locations and so they are
really serving kids that may have fallen through the cracks. the kids that just couldn't make it in regular high school and they're serving
these youth. So, great job there. That's it for me, city attorney. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Commission. No, no comments this evening. Glad to be here. Thank you, Deputy City Manager. I have two items for you this evening. All right. Uh, so just first wanted to reiterate that our Fitch rating has risen to a
double A+. Uh, just that's significant and I don't think we should overlook it. a testament to the fiscal guidance and decision-m of the commission and the work of our entire city team uh you know and everything that we do you know and I think three big highlights from that were thorough strategic and transparent
budget process which I think is uh you know clear in what we we did here tonight um overall fiscal management and then again strong reserves and the related policies uh that protect those. Um, the other thing I just wanted to mention was just a reminder that there is a house select committee on property
taxes tomorrow morning at 9:00 am. Uh, city manager will be speaking at that, which is why he's not here this evening and that should be broadcast on the Florida channel if anybody's interested in watching it. If there's a digital link, would you mind sending that out to to everybody? Yep. Yeah, we'll get it to you.
Mr. Mayor, I might want to add I meant to add this earlier about that meeting. I was talking to Casey Cook at the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust and he just went on and on about T. Michael and about what a good speaker he was and how he was selected to be represent the midsize uh cities. There's a small city,
midsize, and a large. And he was personally selected to represent all midsize cities at this meeting because of his grasp of the issue, his ability to communicate. and they just went on and on about at the FMIT meeting about
how how what a good uh communicator and how he's got such good grasp on everything. So I told him t that when I was driving home, but I want everybody else to know too. He was very highly thought of at at the at the um up there at the the meeting that I was at. So anyway, go ahead.
That's it for me tonight. Thank you. That's all you have? That's all I have. Yep. Thank you, city clerk. Yes, Mr. Mayor. So, as you already know, candidate qualifying for the city commission seat numbers four and five took place last week, which started at noon on September 15th and ended at noon
on September 19th. For seat number four, those running are Matthew Crowley, Chad Davis, and Manuel Fonka. For seat five, those running are Clifton Dolison and Melinda Caligritis. And that's all I have.
All right, deputy city clerk. All right. Emergency matter is not received for the agenda. Motion to a joint.