Bartow meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Bartow CRA to weigh budget, $100K demolition at Aug. 26 meeting

Bartow's Community Redevelopment Agency is set to vote Aug. 26 on its annual budget and up to $100,000 in demolition funding for 690 E. Main Street, the most consequential item on the city's upcoming calendar. Recent meetings produced no published decisions, as minutes are pending.

Recent meetings

The Bartow City Commission met Aug. 3 to consider two ordinances amending the police and firefighters' retirement funds, allowing purchase of permissive service credit. The agenda also included a resolution to transfer surplus property at 370 Parker Street to the Community Redevelopment Agency, appointments to the CRA board, and an easement for Polk County Water Cooperative. Minutes have not yet been published, so no vote outcomes are available.

The Community Redevelopment Agency held a budget workshop Aug. 6 for FY 2026/2027. The session included orientation for board members and a review of redevelopment programs. No formal action was taken.

The Recreation Advisory Board met Aug. 12 to review the department budget, discuss a Christmas Lights Project, and consider a proposed appreciation bench at the Bartow Civic Center Tennis Courts by Karen Boswell. Minutes are pending.

Coming up

The City Commission meets Aug. 17 with an update on property tax relief from Deputy City Manager Peter Lear, a Mulligans Kitchen project update from PRCA Director Jason Hargrove and Golf Course Manager Grace St' Lassiter, and consideration of formal evaluations for appointed officials. The agenda also includes a proclamation recognizing Aug. 26 as Bartow Lineworkers Appreciation Day and introductions of new police personnel.

The Community Redevelopment Agency meets Aug. 26 to adopt its FY 2025-2026 budget, convey surplus property to Habitat for Humanity of Winter Haven, and consider funding up to $100,000 for demolition of 690 E. Main Street. The board will also discuss amending a commercial enhancement agreement with Kincart Group Downtown Bartow, LLC, appoint a chair and vice chair, and swear in new board member Anthony Ghent.

Bartow boards weigh zoning, pension changes, and property transfer; minutes pending

Over the past two weeks, several Bartow boards and commissions met to consider items ranging from zoning changes to pension fund amendments. However, minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no decisions are recorded. The most consequential item on the agendas was the City Commission's consideration of changes to police and firefighter retirement funds and a property transfer to the Community Redevelopment Agency.

City Commission (Aug. 3)

The City Commission held a regular meeting with several items on its agenda:

• Final reading of Ordinance No. 2026-05, amending the Municipal Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund.
• Final reading of Ordinance No. 2026-06, amending the Municipal Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund.
• Resolution No. 26-4271-R, transferring surplus property at 370 Parker Street to the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency.
• Appointment of two new members to the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency Board.
• Consideration of an ingress, egress, and utility easement for Polk County Water Cooperative (PRWC).

No votes or outcomes were reported.

Planning & Zoning Commission (Jul. 27)

The commission reviewed a proposal to amend the Unified Land Development Code (Application #ULDC-26-01). The amendment would create standards for finished product manufacture, light assembly, and controlled outdoor storage within C3 zoning districts. No action was recorded.

General Employees Pension Board (Jul. 28)

The quarterly meeting covered trustee term expirations for William Cruz, Donna Donaldson, and Bruce Munroe, as well as a fiduciary liability policy renewal, renewal of FPPTA membership, an audit report as of September 30, 2025, and a quarterly report as of June 30, 2026. The agenda was primarily procedural and informational.

Red-Light Camera Hearing (Jul. 28)

A Special Magistrate hearing addressed red-light camera notices for five named defendants: Velmon Collins, Meredith Yarbrough Fant, Sarah Ann Green, Leonard George Kitson, and Kristin Mackenzie. The agenda listed individual hearings for each notice.

Community Redevelopment Agency (Jul. 29 and Aug. 6)

The CRA met twice. On Jul. 29, the board was set to select its Chair and Vice Chair, review a budget amendment for FY 2025-2026 (Resolution No. 2026-04-R), consider small business incentive applications, and review financial reports for May and June 2026. On Aug. 6, the board held a budget workshop for FY 2026/2027, including an orientation for board members, a review of redevelopment programs, and strategic planning. No formal action was taken at the workshop.

Coming up

• **Recreation Advisory Board** – Aug. 12: The board will review the department budget, discuss a Christmas Lights Project, and consider an appreciation/dedication bench at the Bartow Civic Center Tennis Courts proposed by Karen Boswell. The agenda also includes approval of July 8, 2026 minutes.

All recent meeting minutes are pending publication. For official records, refer to the city's meeting portal.

Bartow Commission Tackled Millage Rate, Water Loans; Budget Workshops and CRA Business Headlined a Busy Two Weeks

Bartow's City Commission had a packed late-July schedule, with agendas covering the FY 2026-27 millage rate, two State Revolving Fund loan applications for water infrastructure, and a contract for a Fire Rescue facility feasibility study. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings listed below, so the outcomes of these agenda items — including whether votes were taken — cannot be confirmed from the available records.

City Commission — July 20

The commission's July 20 agenda included setting the FY 2026-27 millage rate and considering two resolutions for State Revolving Fund loan applications: Resolution No. 26-4269-R for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan (Project No. WW53024) and Resolution No. 26-4270-R for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan (Project No. DW530250). The agenda also listed a contract with the Lunz Group, Inc. for a feasibility study of the Fire Rescue Headquarters & Training Facility, plus approval of July 6 meeting minutes. No minutes from the July 20 meeting have been published, so no vote tallies or final actions are available.

Budget Workshops — July 22 and July 24

The commission held budget workshops on July 22 and July 24 to review the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. Agendas included the City Manager's budget message and departmental presentations covering the General Fund, Enterprise Fund, Internal Service Fund, and Special Revenue Fund. The agendas noted these sessions were for overview and discussion, with no formal actions listed.

Beautification Advisory Board — July 22

The board's agenda included swearing in new member Yolanda Floyd and discussing meeting frequency. The board was set to review residential beautification award candidates at 1910 Griffin Trail, 619 Gaskin Road, 210 S Lightsey Avenue, 2055 S Florida Avenue, and 2350 Ken Riley Way. Commercial candidates listed were McDonalds (1470 N Broadway Avenue), Toms Chicken Shack (901 E Main Street), and South State Bank (1375 N Broadway Ave).

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 27

The commission was scheduled to review Application #ULDC-26-01, a proposed amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that would create standards for Manufacture of Finished Products, Light Manufacturing/Assembly, and Controlled Outdoor Storage within C3 zoning districts. No outcome is confirmed.

General Employees Pension Board — July 28

The board's quarterly meeting agenda listed trustee term expirations for William Cruz, Donna Donaldson, and Bruce Munroe, along with a fiduciary liability policy renewal, FPPTA membership renewal, an audit report as of September 30, 2025, and a quarterly report as of June 30, 2026. The agenda was described as primarily procedural and informational.

Special Magistrate — July 28

A Special Magistrate hearing was scheduled to review red-light camera notices. Defendants listed on the agenda included Velmon Collins, Meredith Yarbrough Fant, Sarah Ann Green, Leonard George Kitson, and Kristin Mackenzie.

Community Redevelopment Agency — July 29

The CRA agenda included Resolution No. 2026-04-R to amend the FY 2025-2026 annual budget, action on small business incentive applications, selection of Chair and Vice Chair, and financial reports for May and June 2026. No minutes are available to confirm results.

Coming Up

• **August 3 — City Commission (Regular Meeting):** Final reading of Ordinance No. 2026-05 amending the Municipal Police Officers' Retirement Trust Fund and Ordinance No. 2026-06 amending the Municipal Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund, both regarding purchase of permissive service credit. Also on the agenda: Resolution No. 26-4271-R transferring surplus property at 370 Parker Street to the CRA, appointment of two new CRA Board members, and consideration of an ingress, egress, and utility easement for Polk County Water Cooperative (PRWC).
• **August 6 — Community Redevelopment Agency (Budget Workshop):** FY 2026/2027 budget categories and funding priorities, review of existing redevelopment programs, appointment and swearing-in of new CRA Board members, and strategic planning for redevelopment priorities. No formal action is scheduled.

Bartow Commission to Set Millage Rate, Consider Water Infrastructure Loans at July 20 Meeting

Bartow's City Commission is scheduled to set the fiscal year 2026-27 property tax rate and consider two state loan applications for water and wastewater infrastructure at its July 20 meeting. The meeting also includes a proposed contract for a Fire Rescue Headquarters feasibility study.

What Happened Recently

Minutes have not yet been published for the following July meetings, so no confirmed decisions can be reported.

City Commission — July 6: The agenda included first readings of Ordinance 2026-05 and Ordinance 2026-06, which would amend the police and firefighters' retirement trust funds to allow the purchase of permissive service credit. Also on the agenda: Resolution 26-4268-R for stormwater improvement services assessment, an interlocal agreement with Stuart Crossing CDD for police traffic enforcement, and proclamations declaring July 2026 as Lakes Appreciation Month and Parks and Recreation Month. A separate closed attorney/client executive session was scheduled to discuss pending litigation under Florida Statute 286.011(8). No public business or decisions were listed for that session.

Recreation Advisory Board — July 8: The board was scheduled to hear a presentation from Bartow Youth Baseball regarding use of the Carver Recreation Center All-Purpose Field. The agenda also included approval of previous meeting minutes and a director's report.

July 20 City Commission Meeting

The commission is set to take up several financial items:

• **Set FY 2026-27 Millage Rate** — the property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
• **Resolution No. 26-4269-R** — authorizing a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan application (Project No. WW53024).
• **Resolution No. 26-4270-R** — authorizing a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan application (Project No. DW530250).
• **Contract with the Lunz Group, Inc.** — for a feasibility study of the Fire Rescue Headquarters & Training Facility.
• Approval of July 6, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting and Executive Session minutes.

The meeting also includes presentations on economic development and beautification awards.

Coming Up

• **July 22 & 24 — City Commission Budget Workshops:** Commissioners will review the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget, including the City Manager's budget message and departmental presentations for the General Fund, Enterprise Fund, Internal Service Fund, and Special Revenue Fund. No formal actions are listed; these are overview and discussion sessions.

• **July 22 — Beautification Advisory Board:** The board will swear in new member Yolanda Floyd and discuss meeting frequency. Residential beautification award candidates include 1910 Griffin Trail, 619 Gaskin Road, 210 S Lightsey Avenue, 2055 S Florida Avenue, and 2350 Ken Riley Way. Commercial candidates include McDonalds (1470 N Broadway Avenue), Toms Chicken Shack (901 E Main Street), and South State Bank (1375 N Broadway Ave).

• **July 27 — Planning & Zoning Commission:** The board will review Application #ULDC-26-01, a proposed amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that would create standards for finished product manufacture, light assembly, and controlled outdoor storage within C3 zoning districts.

• **July 29 — Community Redevelopment Agency:** The CRA will select its Chair and Vice Chair, review Resolution No. 2026-04-R to amend the FY 2025-2026 annual budget, act on small business incentive applications, and review financial reports for May and June 2026.

Bartow Commission to Consider Police and Firefighter Retirement Fund Changes; Code Board Sets Hearings on Fines and Red-Light Cases

The Bartow City Commission is scheduled to consider first readings of two ordinances that would amend the police and firefighters' retirement trust funds, along with a stormwater improvement assessment resolution, at its July 6 meeting. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet available.

City Commission — July 6

The commission agenda includes first readings of Ordinance 2026-05, which would change police retirement fund credit provisions, and Ordinance 2026-06, which would make corresponding changes to the firefighters' retirement fund. Both ordinances concern the purchase of permissive service credit.

The commission is also scheduled to take up Resolution 26-4268-R, which would establish a stormwater improvement services assessment. No dollar amount is listed on the agenda.

An interlocal agreement between Bartow and Stuart Crossing CDD for police traffic enforcement is on the agenda, along with two proclamations designating July 2026 as Lakes Appreciation Month and Parks and Recreation Month.

A separate July 6 commission meeting is scheduled as a closed attorney/client executive session to discuss pending litigation, as permitted under Florida Statute 286.011(8). No public business or decisions are listed for that session.

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate — June 30

The Code Enforcement Special Magistrate is scheduled to hear two property cases:

• **Case 57054** — Fine certification for a sanitation/storage violation at 1725 Laurel St E. Respondents are listed as Earlie DeFrench Sanders and Courtney Sanders.
• **Case 61676-PJ** — Reduction request for an accessory use violation at 1850 S Broadway. Respondents are listed as James H. Sherrer and Linda T. Sherrer.

The agenda also includes approval of minutes from May 26, 2026, and procedural items. No demolition, false alarm, or new violation items are listed.

Red-Light Camera Hearings — June 30

The special magistrate is scheduled to hold hearings on three red-light camera violations:

• Notice 5792600102088 — Defendant Richard Allen Bryant
• Notice 57922600103474 — Defendant Brian Franklin Mole
• Notice 5792600067752 — Defendant Jeanette Peabody

Approval of May 26, 2026 minutes is also on the agenda.

Recreation Advisory Board — July 8

The Recreation Advisory Board is scheduled to hear a presentation from Bartow Youth Baseball regarding use of the Carver Recreation Center All-Purpose Field. The board may discuss the request and make a recommendation. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and a director's report.

Coming Up

• **July 27 — Planning & Zoning Commission:** The board will review Application #ULDC-26-01, a proposed amendment to the Unified Land Development Code. The amendment would create standards for Manufacture of Finished Products, Light Manufacturing/Assembly, and Controlled Outdoor Storage within C3 zoning districts.

All recent meetings listed above are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published. Outcomes, vote tallies, and any dollar figures will be reported once official minutes become available.

Bartow roundup: CRA reorganization, community funding on June 25 agenda; outcomes pending

The Bartow City Commission had two significant items on its June 25 agenda — a resolution to reorganize the Community Redevelopment Agency and a review of funding requests from community groups and non-profits for FY 26-27. However, minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so no outcomes, vote tallies, or final funding amounts can be confirmed from the available record.

City Commission — June 25

The commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on Resolution 26-4266-R, which would formally establish the city commission itself as the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency. The resolution would terminate the previous CRA board and its appointments and set new member terms. The agenda described this as a reorganization of local redevelopment oversight under state law.

Also on the June 25 agenda: a review of proposed FY 26-27 funding for community partners, events, and non-profit organizations. Groups listed on the agenda included Bartow Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce, the Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, and the Bartow Juneteenth Empowerment Community Organization. The commission was also set to deliberate funding for 16 non-profit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, Pace Center for Girls, and Volunteers in Service to the Elderly.

Because only the agenda is available and minutes have not been published, the roundup cannot report what amounts were set or how the commission voted.

Code Enforcement Special Magistrate — June 30

The special magistrate had two cases scheduled. Case 57054 involved a fine certification for a sanitation/storage violation at 1725 Laurel St E, with respondents listed as Earlie DeFrench Sanders and Courtney Sanders. Case 61676-PJ was a reduction request for an accessory use violation at 1850 S Broadway, with respondents James H. Sherrer and Linda T. Sherrer. The agenda also included approval of minutes from May 26, 2026. No demolition, false alarm, or new violation items were listed. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Red-Light Camera Hearings — June 30

The special magistrate was scheduled to hear three red-light camera violation cases. Defendants listed were Richard Allen Bryant (notice 5792600102088), Brian Franklin Mole (notice 57922600103474), and Jeanette Peabody (notice 5792600067752). The agenda also included approval of May 26, 2026 minutes. Outcomes are not available because minutes have not been published.

Coming up

City Commission — July 6 (today): The commission will consider first readings of Ordinance 2026-05 and Ordinance 2026-06, which would amend the police and firefighters' retirement trust funds to allow the purchase of permissive service credit. Also on the agenda: Resolution 26-4268-R for a stormwater improvement services assessment, and an interlocal agreement between Bartow and the Stuart Crossing CDD for police traffic enforcement. The commission will issue proclamations for July 2026 as Lakes Appreciation Month and Parks and Recreation Month. A closed attorney/client executive session on pending litigation is also scheduled, under Florida Statute 286.011(8), with no public business or decisions on that portion of the agenda.

Recreation Advisory Board — July 8: The board will hear a presentation from Bartow Youth Baseball regarding use of the Carver Recreation Center All-Purpose Field. The board may discuss and make a recommendation. The agenda also includes approval of previous minutes and a director's report.

Bartow Commission Poised to Allocate Community Funding, Reorganize Redevelopment Agency

The Bartow City Commission was scheduled to set funding for community partners and events at its June 25 meeting, one of several local government actions in recent weeks that signal shifts in city operations, code enforcement, and police oversight. Minutes from these meetings had not been published by press time.

City Commission: Community Funding Requests

On June 25, the Bartow City Commission was expected to review and decide on financial requests from community groups for the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. The agenda included presentations from Bartow Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Neighborhood Improvement Corporation. Commissioners were also slated to consider a funding request from the Bartow Juneteenth Empowerment Community Organization for a community event, and to deliberate on support for 16 non-profit organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Pace Center for Girls, and Volunteers in Service to the Elderly. The commission was to set final dollar amounts at that meeting.

City Commission: Community Redevelopment Agency

The same meeting featured a public hearing on Resolution 26-4266-R, which would establish the city commission itself as the new Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency. If adopted, the measure terminates the previous CRA board and its appointments, and assigns terms to members of the reorganized body under Florida law. The restructuring would bring redevelopment oversight directly under the elected commission.

Code Enforcement: Fines and Reduction

Two cases came before the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate on June 30. One was a fine certification for a sanitation and storage violation at 1725 Laurel St E, involving respondents Earlie DeFrench Sanders and Courtney Sanders (case 57054). The other was a request for a reduction in an accessory use violation fine at 1850 S Broadway, filed by James H. Sherrer and Linda T. Sherrer (case 61676-PJ). No demolition, false alarm, or new violation cases were on the docket.

Red-Light Camera Hearings

Also on June 30, a special magistrate heard three red-light camera violation notices. The respondents listed were Richard Allen Bryant, Brian Franklin Mole, and Jeanette Peabody. The meeting included routine approval of prior minutes.

Coming Up

The City Commission meets July 6 with a busy agenda. Two first-reading ordinances (2026-05 and 2026-06) would amend the police and firefighters' retirement trust funds to allow the purchase of permissive service credit. A resolution (26-4268-R) addresses stormwater improvement services, and an interlocal agreement with the Stuart Crossing Community Development District would authorize police traffic enforcement there. The commission will also issue proclamations recognizing July as Lakes Appreciation Month and Parks and Recreation Month. Later that day, a closed executive session will cover pending litigation, with no public business scheduled.

The Recreation Advisory Board meets July 8 and expects a presentation from Bartow Youth Baseball regarding the use of the Carver Recreation Center All-Purpose Field. The board may discuss and make a recommendation.