Polk County public meetings in 2022

Board of County Commissioners

The Polk County Commission will consider approving a $2.3 million construction contract for the Thornhill Road Bridge Replacement project and a $259,482 change order for the West Pipkin Road Widening project. Commissioners will also hold public hearings on several land-use changes, including rezoning 14.5 acres near County Line Road for business park use and 3.5 acres in Davenport for a convenience center. The agenda includes appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and a waste collection update from the County Manager.

• Approve $2,302,597 contract with Denson Construction for Thornhill Road Bridge Replacement
• Public hearing to rezone 14.53 acres from Agricultural Residential Rural to Business Park Center (Bellagio County Line Road BPC)
• Public hearing to rezone 3.51 acres from Residential Low to Convenience Center (Pierce Materials)
• Approve $259,482 change order for West Pipkin Road Widening Project with Hubbard Construction
• Approve $3,279,505 amendment with Motorola Solutions for 3-year master purchase agreement

The Board approved several infrastructure projects, including a bridge replacement and road widening. It also approved three land use changes and two appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

• Approved $2,302,597.35 contract with Denson Construction, Inc. for Thornhill Road Bridge Replacement
• Approved $259,482.13 change order for West Pipkin Road Widening Project
• Approved $5,525,000 right-of-way agreement for Thompson Nursery Road Phase 1
• Approved $3,279,505.14 three-year agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc.
• Appointed Steve Williams and Hattie Wilson to Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
• Approved LDC modification for 25-foot residential garage setbacks and tree requirements
• Approved land use change for Pierce Materials to Convenience Center (partial approval)
• Approved land use change for Bellagio County Line Road to Business Park Center

Polk County Land Use Hearing Officer

The Land Use Hearing Officer will hear four variance requests (Gill, Simms Road, Hwy 92 Car Wash, Carrillo) and continue several previously tabled items. Two variance applications have been withdrawn. The meeting is scheduled for December 14, 2022.

• LDLVAR-2022-87: Simms Road Variance (continued)
• LDLTSE-2022-9: Parker Rd TSE (continued)
• LDLVAR-2022-89: Gill Variance (new business)
• LDLVAR-2022-90: Hwy 92 Car Wash Variance (new business)
• LDLVAR-2022-94: Carrillo Variance (new business)

The Land Use Hearing Officer held public hearings for three setback reduction requests. The minutes record the presentations and staff recommendations for approval, but do not list final votes or written orders.

• Approved August 25, 2022 Minutes
• LDLVAR-2022-88 Perez Variance: Withdrawn
• LDLVAR-2022-92 Wendt Variance: Withdrawn
• LDLVAR-2022-89 (Gill Variance): Public hearing closed after staff recommendation of approval
• LDLVAR-2022-90 (Hwy 92 Car Wash Variance): Public hearing closed after staff recommendation of approval
• LDLVAR-2022-94 (Carrillo Variance): Public hearing closed after staff recommendation of approval
• LDLVAR-2022-24 (Mullins Var): Continued
• LDLVAR-2022-42 (Zimmerman Var): Continued

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will consider several major contracts and grants, including an $8.7 million prescription drug program management agreement and a $3 million state grant for environmental protection. Public hearings are scheduled on land-use changes, including a racetrack appeal and rezoning for high-density housing. The agenda also includes routine consent items and board appointments.

• Approve piggyback agreement for Prescription Drug Program Management Services with Citizens Rx, LLC ($8.7 million estimated recurring expense)
• Approve State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant for Ridge to River Protection of Critical Assets ($3,000,000 one-time revenue)
• Public Hearing on appeal of conditional use for a racetrack facility (Young Racing)
• Public Hearing on Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Kathryn Estates (15.73 acres to Residential High)
• Approve Amendment No. 2 to Consulting Service Agreement for CR 557 widening project ($693,396.38 one-time expense)

The Board denied a conditional use request for a private racetrack after significant public opposition regarding noise and environmental impact. Other actions included approving several land use amendments and addressing waste collection failures by Waste Management.

• Denied with prejudice request for private racetrack facility (5-0)
• Approved Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Kathryn Estates (5-0)
• Approved as amended Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Colbert Landings (4-1)
• Denied transmittal for Canopy Oaks Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment (3-2)
• Approved $8.7M recurring expense for prescription drug management services (5-0)
• Approved $3M FDEP grant for Ridge to River Protection of Critical Assets (5-0)
• Approved $693,396.38 for CR 557 widening project (5-0)
• Approved ordinance amending Solid Waste Management Facility Siting and Operation Ordinance (5-0)

Board of County Commissioners (Organizational)

The Board of County Commissioners holds an organizational meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, swear in two commissioners, and consider a public hearing to increase commissioner salaries. It also votes on several contracts, including a $2.3 million HOME-ARP loan for Grove Manor Apartments and agreements for fire rescue and sheriff facilities.

• Public hearing to consider increasing yearly salary of Polk County Commissioners
• Tri-Party Agreement for HOME-ARP Loan Funding for Grove Manor Apartments ($2,300,000 one-time expense)
• Agreement with The Lunz Group for Fire Rescue Training Center ($998,550 one-time expense)
• Agreement with The Lunz Group for Sheriff’s Ridge District Station at Poinciana ($682,000 one-time expense)
• Construction contract with Nujak Companies for Fire Rescue Station #29, EMS Winter Haven ($311,824.68 one-time expense)

The Board reorganized its leadership and declared a state of local emergency for waste collection on the east side of the county. The commission also approved several infrastructure contracts and land use amendments.

• Elected George Lindsey as Chairperson (5-0)
• Elected Bill Braswell as Vice Chairperson (5-0)
• Declared State of Local Emergency for east side waste collection (5-0)
• Approved $2.3M HOME-ARP loan funding for Grove Manor Apartments (5-0)
• Approved $998,550 architectural/engineering contract for Fire Rescue Training Center (5-0)
• Approved $682,000 architectural/engineering contract for Sheriff’s Ridge District Station (5-0)
• Approved $2M and $1.5M annual contracts with Central Florida Health Care for primary and dental services (5-0)
• Approved ordinance to increase yearly salary of Polk County Commissioners (5-0)

Polk Regional Water Cooperative

The Polk Regional Water Cooperative Board will consider approving construction manager agreements for the Southeast Wellfield and West Polk LFA Wellfield projects, along with a related design and oversight fee. The board will also discuss conservation measures, revenue options, and a Wells Fargo line of credit. Consent items include meeting minutes, an auditing services letter, and the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Approve CMAR agreement with Florida Water Partners for Southeast Wellfield Project
• Approve CMAR agreement with Florida Water Partners for West Polk LFA Wellfield Project
• Approve TeamOne scope of work and fee for West Polk LFA Wellfield final design and construction oversight
• Discussion of conservation measures and a member-funded program proposal
• Discussion of revenue options and Wells Fargo line of credit

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will hold public hearings on several land-use and zoning changes, including a new 'Residential Development Park' category allowing multiple single-family rental units on one parcel. Commissioners will also consider a $2.5 million annual contract for utility SCADA construction services, a $99,000 settlement with the Sheriff's Office, and appointments to the Planning Commission and Fire Rescue leadership.

• Public hearing on 'Residential Development Park' (RDP) ordinance allowing multiple single-family rental units on one property (LDCT-2022-11)
• Approve Master Agreement for Utilities SCADA Construction Services with estimated $2,500,000 annual recurring expense
• Consider $99,000 settlement in Karen Dubois v. Polk County Sheriff's Office
• Reappoint Warren K. 'Rennie' Heath II to the Polk County Planning Commission for a three-year term
• Confirm appointment of Hezedean A. Smith as Polk County Fire Rescue Services Director (Fire Rescue Chief)

The Board approved a text amendment allowing multiple single-family detached rental units on one parcel. The Board also approved several land use changes and the appointment of a new Fire Rescue Services Director. Commissioners discussed urgent strategies to address ongoing missed garbage collections by county haulers.

• Confirmed Hezedean A. Smith as Polk County Fire Rescue Services Director (5-0)
• Approved $160,000 match for Ridge to Rivers Feasibility project (5-0)
• Approved release of $46,832.50 surety for Treymont Phase 1 (4-0, 1 recused)
• Reappointed Warren K. “Rennie” Heath II to Planning Commission (5-0)
• Approved land use change to Residential Medium-X for Vistas at Davenport (5-0)
• Approved land use change to Business Park Center for Auburndale Business Park (5-0)
• Approved land use change for Crescent Valley nodes 1, 2, and 3 (5-0)
• Approved Residential Development Park text amendment (4-1)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will vote on a $2.78 million construction contract for the Rifle Range Road Drainage Improvement Project and several land-use changes, including two small-scale comprehensive plan amendments for residential density increases. They will also set public hearings for large-scale plan amendments and text changes affecting development rules. Consent items include sponsorships, a parking garage project, and a Hurricane Ian emergency extension.

• Approve $2,782,022.65 contract with MG Underground for Rifle Range Road Drainage Improvement
• Public hearing to change 4.56 acres from Residential Low-X to Residential Medium-X at Colbert Landing
• Public hearing to change 15.73 acres from Residential Low-X to Residential High at Kathryn Estates
• Set hearing for 153-acre change from Residential Low-X to Residential Medium-X in Crescent Valley
• Approve $646,809 for Polk County Parking Garage project

The Board approved a $2.78 million construction contract for the Rifle Range Road Drainage Improvement Project, a $500,000 HVAC piggyback agreement with Trane, and a $277,875 sponsorship with Bok Tower Gardens. Two comprehensive plan amendments were continued to December 6, 2022. Public comments addressed flooding from a blueberry farm, and the Board directed the County Manager to facilitate a discussion with the farm and water district.

• Approved $2,782,022.65 construction contract with MG Underground for Rifle Range Road Drainage Improvement Project (5-0)
• Approved $500,000 annual piggyback agreement with Trane U.S., Inc. for HVAC products and services (5-0)
• Approved $277,875 sponsorship agreement with Bok Tower Gardens, Inc. for four events in FY 22/23 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved disbursements (5-0)
• Approved minutes of October 4, 2022 meeting (5-0)
• Continued LDCPAS 2022-13 Colbert Landing RM CPA to December 6, 2022 (5-0)
• Continued LDCPAS 2022-18 Kathryn Estates CR 540-A RH CPA to December 6, 2022 (5-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is deciding on several high-cost infrastructure contracts and public hearings for zoning and tax exemptions. The meeting includes votes on wastewater facility expansions and emergency service grants.

• Agreement with INdigital for Next Generation 9-1-1 system transition ($3,540,128.11)
• Engineering services for Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion ($581,465.40)
• Construction contract for Clubhouse/Tillery Road Drainage Improvements ($888,576.00)
• Public hearing for Planned Development request for Legacy Self-Storage in Ronald Reagan SAP
• Public hearing to reauthorize the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption program

The Board approved a $3.54 million contract with INdigital to transition the county's E9-1-1 system to a Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) system, replacing the analog system. They also approved a $581,465 contract for expanding the Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, a $368,630 contract for electrical and communication improvements at the same facility, and a $1.07 million impact fee credit agreement with KB Home Orlando for the Mirabella Road Extension. The Board reauthorized the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption program through 2030 and approved a planned development for a self-storage facility in the Ronald Reagan SAP.

• Approved $3,540,128 INdigital contract for NG9-1-1 system transition (5-0)
• Approved $581,465 Wright-Pierce engineering contract for wastewater treatment expansion (5-0)
• Approved $368,630 Wright-Pierce contract for wastewater electrical/communication improvements (5-0)
• Approved $1,071,799 impact fee credit agreement with KB Home Orlando for Mirabella Road Extension (5-0)
• Approved reauthorization of Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption program through 2030 (5-0)
• Approved planned development for Legacy Self-Storage facility (5-0)
• Approved $888,576 construction contract for Clubhouse/Tillery Road Drainage Improvements (5-0)
• Approved $277,944 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant acceptance (5-0)

Polk Regional Water Cooperative

The board is meeting to decide on contracts for test production wells and injection wells. Members will also discuss funding allocations and changes to participant status for Eagle Lake and Lake Hamilton.

• Agreement with A.C. Schultes, Inc. for construction of Test Production Well #3
• Bids for construction of Injection Well #1 (IW-1) for the Southeast Wellfield Project
• Financial Management Accounting Services for FY 2023 with Clifton Larson Allen
• Change Order No. 5 with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for Test Production Well #3
• Heartland Headwaters Act Fund Allocation and Project Applications

Board of County Commissioners

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners is meeting to approve a consent agenda and several contracts, including health care services for low-income residents and a $6 million United Way navigator program. They will also hold public hearings on a special assessment, road vacations, and land development code changes. The agenda includes many routine items such as bond releases and utility system acceptances.

• Approve contract with United Way of Central Florida for Navigator services, up to $6,000,000 annually
• Approve contract with Lakeland Regional Health for primary care, up to $1,900,000 annually
• Approve contract with Life Extension Clinic for firefighter physicals, $695,000 annually
• Public hearing on 2022 Local Provider Participation Fund special assessment rate
• Public hearing to vacate right-of-way on Park Road and Grassy Lake Street

The Board approved a $6 million annual contract with United Way of Central Florida to administer a community health care pilot and Navigator services, along with several other health-related agreements including a $1.9M contract with Lakeland Regional Health for primary care, a $700,000 behavioral health contract with Tri-County Human Services, and a $695,000 firefighter physicals agreement. All votes were unanimous (5-0) except for three items where Commissioner Lindsey recused himself. The Board also approved land development code amendments, right-of-way vacations, and board appointments.

• Approved $6M annual contract with United Way of Central Florida for health pilot and Navigator services (5-0)
• Approved $1.9M annual contract with Lakeland Regional Health for primary care for low-income residents (5-0)
• Approved $819,667 three-year agreement with Cove Behavioral Health for Medication Assisted Treatment program (5-0)
• Approved $695,000 annual agreement with Life Scan Wellness Centers for firefighter physicals (5-0)
• Approved $1M ARP funding agreement with Lake Wales Care Center (5-0)
• Approved land code amendment allowing mobile homes in Southeast Polk SAP Village Centers (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Ramon Vicioso to Sidewalk Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Approved two right-of-way vacations: Park Road and Second Street in Everett Subdivision (5-0)

Board of County Commissioners (Final Budget)

The Board is holding a public hearing to discuss and adopt the final budget and millage rates for fiscal year 2022/23. This includes the general operating budget and specific budgets for several Municipal Services Taxing Units (MSTUs).

• Adoption of FY 22/23 final budget of $2,436,087,123
• Adoption of Polk County Parks MSTU budget of $38,228,771 and millage rate of 0.5450 mills
• Adoption of Polk County Library MSTU budget of $7,645,393 and millage rate of 0.2046 mills
• Adoption of Polk County Stormwater MSTU budget of $11,517,686 and millage rate of 0.0970 mills
• Adoption of Polk County Rancho Bonito MSTU budget of $61,020 and millage rate of 9.1272 mills

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the final FY 2022-2023 budget totaling $2,436,087,123 and set millage rates for the county and several Municipal Services Taxing Units (MSTUs). The operating millage rate was set at 6.6920 mills, an 8.21% increase over the rolled-back rate. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

• Adopted final FY22-23 budget of $2,436,087,123 (5-0)
• Set ad valorem operating millage rate at 6.6920 mills (5-0)
• Set Polk County Parks MSTU millage rate at 0.5450 mills (5-0)
• Set Polk County Library MSTU millage rate at 0.2046 mills (5-0)
• Set Polk County Stormwater MSTU millage rate at 0.0970 mills (5-0)
• Set Polk County Rancho Bonito MSTU millage rate at 9.1272 mills (5-0)
• Adopted final Stormwater MSTU budget of $11,517,686 (5-0)
• Adopted final budgets for Parks MSTU ($38,228,771), Library MSTU ($7,645,393), and Rancho Bonito MSTU ($61,020) (5-0)

Board of County Commissioners (Budget)

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss and set tentative millage rates and the budget for fiscal year 2022-23. The session includes a public hearing on the proposed operating budget and several Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTUs).

• Proposed tentative budget of $2,436,087,123
• Proposed tentative operating millage rate of 6.6920 mills (8.21% increase over rolled-back rate)
• Paving improvement assessments for Angus, Asherwoods, Black White & Huggins, Estate, JEH, Moore, Pete's Lane, Pioneer Drive, Ridge, and Roy Burt Roads
• Tentative budgets for Parks ($38,228,771), Library ($7,645,393), and Stormwater ($11,517,686) MSTUs
• Final rate resolutions for Fire Services, Residential Waste Program, and Nuisance Abatement assessments

The Board of County Commissioners held the first public hearing on the FY 2022-23 budget and unanimously approved a $2,436,087,123 tentative budget, a 3% reduction in the county-wide millage rate to 6.6920 mills, and tentative budgets for the Parks, Library, Stormwater, and Rancho Bonito MSTUs. All 11 assessment resolutions (street lighting, roadway paving, utility MSBUs, fire services, residential waste, nuisance abatement, excessive bulk waste) were also approved unanimously. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. A final public hearing to adopt the budget is set for September 19, 2022.

• Approved $2,436,087,123 tentative FY22/23 budget (5-0)
• Approved tentative operating millage rate of 6.6920 mills, a 3% decrease (5-0)
• Approved tentative Parks MSTU millage 0.5450, Library MSTU 0.2046, Stormwater MSTU 0.0970, Rancho Bonito MSTU 9.1272 (5-0)
• Approved tentative budgets for Parks MSTU $38,228,771, Library MSTU $7,645,393, Stormwater MSTU $11,517,686, Rancho Bonito MSTU $61,020 (5-0)
• Approved all 11 final assessment resolutions for street lighting, roadway paving, utility MSBUs, fire services, residential waste, nuisance abatement, and excessive bulk waste (5-0 each)
• Approved designating Deputy County Attorney Sandra Howard to certify 2022-23 final assessment rolls to the Tax Collector (5-0)
• Set final public hearing for September 19, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Boardroom (5-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss several land use amendments and public hearings. The meeting includes votes on healthcare contracts for low-income residents and a construction contract for the Bone Valley ATV Park Bridge.

• Construction contract with Cone & Graham, Inc. for Bone Valley ATV Park Bridge ($3,502,191.40)
• Cypress Lake Alternative Water Supply Agreement amendment ($2,080,000 not-to-exceed)
• Health contracts for low-income residents with Florida Department of Health ($910,000 and $728,000 annually)
• Residential treatment contracts with Tri-County Human Services, Inc. ($975,000 and $675,000 annually)
• Public hearings for comprehensive plan amendments including The Hub at Polk County Metro Architecture

The Board approved a $2,080,000 not-to-exceed fifth amendment to the Cypress Lake Alternative Water Supply Agreement between the Water Cooperative of Central Florida and Reedy Creek Improvement District. Commissioners also approved contracts for dental, primary care, and behavioral health services for low-income residents, as well as a $3.5 million bridge project at Bone Valley ATV Park. Several land-use changes and code amendments were adopted, including allowing temporary emergency shelters on vacant parcels outside platted subdivisions.

• Approved $2,080,000 fifth amendment to Cypress Lake Alternative Water Supply Agreement with Reedy Creek Improvement District.
• Approved $3,502,191.40 construction contract with Cone & Graham, Inc. for Bone Valley ATV Park Bridge project.
• Approved $910,000 annual contract with Florida Department of Health for dental services to low-income residents.
• Approved $728,000 annual contract with Florida Department of Health for primary care services to low-income residents.
• Approved $430,000 annual contract with Peace River Center for behavioral health services to low-income residents.
• Approved $975,000 annual contract with Tri-County Human Services for men's New Beginning Transition Center.
• Approved $675,000 annual contract with Tri-County Human Services for women's New Beginning Transition Center.
• Approved release of Educational System Impact Fees for a new high school in Poinciana and Elementary School 21C.

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will review several land purchase agreements for the Peace Creek Canal and Lake Annie projects. The agenda also includes contract amendments for low-income resident healthcare services and various public hearings regarding land development and ordinances.

• Land Purchase Agreement with Raley Environments, Inc and William Lindsay Raley, Jr. ($3,555,100)
• Land Purchase Agreement with Thelma C. Raley, Inc. ($685,000)
• Contract amendment for The Haley Center, Inc. healthcare services (not to exceed $352,410 annually)
• Contract amendment for We Care of Central Florida, Inc. specialty care (not to exceed $597,420 annually)
• Contract for We Care of Central Florida, Inc. healthcare transportation (not to exceed $381,368 annually)

The Board voted 3-2 to clarify its legislative intent that the 1,000 RV units approved for Canopy Oaks in 2019/2020 exclude park models or any unit permanently attached to plumbing, electrical, or requiring a building permit. The motion was prompted by concerns that park models were being installed as permanent structures near the Avon Park bombing range, contrary to earlier representations. The Board also approved several land purchases, healthcare contracts, and a rezoning, while denying a 128-home subdivision on Park Byrd Road without prejudice.

• Approved legislative intent to limit Canopy Oaks RV units to exclude park models or permanently attached units (3-2)
• Approved $3.56M land purchase for Peace Creek Canal Project with ARP funds (5-0)
• Approved $685,000 land purchase for Lake Annie Restoration Project with ARP funds (5-0)
• Approved first amendment to Haley Center contract for low-income healthcare, up to $352,410 annually (5-0)
• Approved second amendment to We Care of Central Florida contract for specialty care, up to $597,420 annually (5-0)
• Approved We Care of Central Florida transportation contract for low-income healthcare, up to $381,368 annually (5-0)
• Denied DR Bryant 128-home subdivision on Park Byrd Road without prejudice (4-1)
• Approved rezoning of 25 acres from RL-1 to RL-4 in Waverly (5-0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners is considering several construction contracts, including drainage improvements and road design services. The agenda also includes public hearings regarding community development districts, brownfield designations, and sub-district map changes.

• Construction contract for 24th Street NW Drainage Improvements Project ($285,454.25)
• Engineering services for CR 547 (Davenport Boulevard) at North 10th Street Intersection ($243,945.67)
• American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery Funding Agreement with All Veterans Center, Inc. ($405,000)
• Mediated settlement agreement for West Pipkin Project parcels ($555,750)
• Skink Mitigation Agreement for CR 547 project ($89,870)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider adopting a Community Development District for Belle Haven. The body is also reviewing several construction contracts and land use changes.

• Public hearing for Belle Haven CDD adoption
• Construction contract with MG Underground, LLC for 24th Street NW Drainage Improvements Project ($285,454.25)
• Funding agreement with All Veterans Center, Inc. ($405,000)
• Settlement agreement for West Pipkin Project eminent domain lawsuit ($555,750)
• Sub-District Map change from Residential Low-1 to Residential Low-2 for Harris Sub-District

The Board approved a construction contract with MG Underground, LLC for the 24th Street NW Drainage Improvements Project at $285,454.25, and adopted an ordinance creating the Belle Haven Community Development District. A $170,000 training contract was tabled. The consent agenda was approved as amended, with Commissioner Wilson voting no.

• Approved $285,454.25 construction contract with MG Underground for 24th Street NW Drainage Improvements (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance for Belle Haven Community Development District (LDCDD-2021-9) (5-0)
• Tabled $170,000 training contract (P.3) (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda as amended (4-1, Wilson nay)
• Accepted performance cash surety of $6,655 for Treymont Phase Two (5-0)
• Accepted disbursements (5-0)
• Accepted minutes of April 1, 2022 meeting (5-0)