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If you would kindly take your seat, we will start with our board meeting for August 18, 2026.

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We will begin with chaplain Hanley as he gives the invocation and then say standing for the pledge of allegiance.

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Good morning. I would invite you all to pray with me.

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Heavenly Father, as we attend to the business of governance today, we know that you are with us, and that you are for us.

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Your word reminds us when we ask you for wisdom, you give it freely.

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And so we ask that you lead us today and always in the path of your wisdom and peace.

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And I ask this in Jesus' name, amen.

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Thank you.

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You may be seated.

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At this time we will proceed with presentations and recognition and I would like to have some

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important people and a very courageous K9 to come up to the front, they would come up right

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up here.

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We have with us Paul County Sheriff Office, Chief of Staff, Steve Lester, Deputy

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Natalie A. Strike, and her K9 A.S. to come up. Commissioner Wilson will be able to

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to send to them a presentation this morning.

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Good morning, everyone.

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It is my honor to present this commendation

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of valor to a retired Pooke County Sheriff's Office

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K9 Ace.

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I like to thank his handler and partner, Sheriff,

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Deputy Natalie Astrich for bringing him here today

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so we can recognize the great job he's done.

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It was through Astrich, Astrich's brave action

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that he's saved not only his partner,

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but two other deputies lives when the man opened fire on them.

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Now, where's the plaque that I want to read yet?

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This is what it says.

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Pope County Board of County Commissioners,

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Commendation of Valor, per presented,

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Pope County Sheriff's Office, K9Ace.

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On August 6, 2026, K9Ace was critically wounded

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in the line of duty while protecting his handler

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and other Pope County Sheriff's deputies from an armed gun

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who opened fire on the approaching deputies with the intention of taking their lives.

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The Board of County Commission's formary recognizes K9's ACEs. K9 ACEs breathe,

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actions resulted in seriously bodily injury while saving the lives of others. Congratulations.

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And thank you for being here.

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And review help them get over here.

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From now on, we could get ahead and take away the patient.

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Yes. Perfect. Good morning, Madam Chair.

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commissioners, county manager, and everyone else, I am Steve Lester, I'm the Chief of Staff

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of the Book County Sheriff's Office on behalf of Sheriff Grady Judd, who share a

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place since he could have been here today, the Sheriff's Office on a well-deserved, long-term

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plan vacation out of state and trust me when I tell you a well vacation and

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rescued Grady Judd is good for all of us. But he wishes he could have been here, but

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on behalf of him and all the Sheriff's Office, we are grateful for this acknowledgement

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where Natalie today and Ace are being recognized. We thank you so much, Commissioner Wilson.

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You know, today we are recognizing Natalie and Ace for their heroic events on that particular

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moment in time on that particular day. But the fact of the matter is they are doing this every single day.

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In a county of over 2,000 square miles, they are putting their canines in harm's way every day.

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They're going into woods, in the swamps, in the structures, into businesses, into addicts,

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where they don't even know what's around the corner and they're doing that in apprehension

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of murderers and rapists and pedophiles, in this case of pedophile.

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And they do it fearlessly, and they do it every day.

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And we are grateful to them. They are heroes, us, aces, a hero. Unfortunately, aces lost his left front leg to gun fire, but you can see aces alive and well in doing great.

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God is as racist with that. We are grateful for that, that bass here with us.

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But it's not lost on me. Also, that this commission, we're able to do this because this commission, this commission, has continued to make public safety a priority.

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And that's why we can have the nation's best officers, like Natalie, the nation's best

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canines, like Ace, the best training, the best equipment, the best resources.

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So we are grateful to you for this.

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We are grateful to Natalie and Ace, and all we're canine, you know, we have the best

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canine in America, the world, and we're grateful to you for this.

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Thank you for this acknowledgement.

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Thank you for this recognition, it doesn't, it's not lost on us at all.

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I wish the sheriff was here to enjoy it with us, but he couldn't be here, but again,

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Thank you so much.

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So, all right, let's get started.

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All this in a dog biscuit.

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Ace,

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go boy.

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I don't know if any commissioners wants to say anything.

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Okay.

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Not a jerk.

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Yes.

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I'll just say as far as having visited

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what the sheriff's office several times

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and looking at our training facilities

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and the amount of time that every deputy puts into their job

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beyond just when they're on the clock.

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It is tremendously, I appreciate it as citizen,

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but having seen it in real time of the sacrifice

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that those men and women make every single day.

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Oftentimes, without the support of the community that they're going in,

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because they're going into a bad neighborhood,

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or they're going into somebody that doesn't want to see you guys,

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I'm truly thankful that we have the best sheriff's office

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in the nation, and I appreciate your dedication.

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Thank you, anyone else?

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Okay, I just want to say, I saw the video on TV and I tell you what, my tears just came

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down.

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So, we all feel for this, but we're just so glad that Ace made it through and I'm sure

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that depot your excited about that.

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Chief Lesser, thank you and please tell Sheriff Grady Judd that we appreciate everything

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you guys to put in yourselves on the line all the time just so that we can be safe.

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Thank you so very much.

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Appreciate it.

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Now we're going to employ your recognition.

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Good morning, commissioner staff and visitors.

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I'm Caitlin Hovercam, public and media relations officer.

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Caitlin, excuse me, give me just a few minutes for people to meet before we start.

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Good morning, commissioner staff and visitors.

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I'm Caitlin Hovercam, Public and Media Relations Officer for Polk County Government.

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Today we are recognizing foreign employees for their service to Polk County.

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I'd like to invite the employees to come to the front as their names are called,

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and then if the honorees will remain at the front while the commissioners return to the

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diasbehind them, we'll take a group photo at the end.

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James Roberts has worked for the Polk County Fleet Management Division for 20 years.

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He has served as a fleet technician three throughout his time with the division.

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Throughout his career, James has obtained several automotive service excellent certifications

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in heavy truck in auto-mobile equipment.

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In his spare time, he enjoys riding side-by-side and spending time with his wife Pamela,

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his daughter Katie, his son James, and his six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

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In the future, he looks forward to retiring and traveling.

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Grant Ewert has worked for Polk County Information Technology Division for 20 years. In 2006, he began working as a telecom technician for the county's Information Technology Division.

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Throughout his career with the division, Grant has served in several different roles, including serving as a telecom specialist, telecom network analyst, telecommunications supervisor, PC support, call center supervisor, and systems architecture supervisor before moving into his current role

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as a technical services manager for the division.

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Grant obtained his bachelor's degree in business economics from Wheaton College, and he

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obtained his master's of management information system's degree from the University of

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South Florida.

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In addition to his educational achievements, Grant has coordinated Pope County's annual

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submissions for the Digital County Survey for the past five years.

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His efforts have helped the county rank among the nation's top 10 counties and rank

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number four among counties with populations between 500,000 to just less than a million for

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the past two years. Grant is a member of life-sourced community church in Lakeland. In

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a spare time, he is an avid mountainbiker. He enjoys exploring the trails in central Florida,

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planning trips to explore out of state trails, cooking, playing disc golf, and spending time with

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his wife Cassina, his son Toby, his daughter's Ava, and Gwyneth, and his son-in-law's Isaac. In the

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future he looks forward to seeing how technologies like artificial intelligence continue to

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transform local government and how he can help the county make the most of those opportunities.

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In addition to continue traveling, writing his bike and spending as much time as he can with his

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family.

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Tequidra Roundtree has served the residents and visitors of Polk County for 25 years.

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In 2001, Tequidra began working as an ADA transportation coordinator for Polk County

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transit services, where she assisted with planning medical transportation needs and reviewing and

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approving ADA applications, for residents who needed accessible transportation services. After

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serving with Polk County Transit Services for 14 years, she transferred into a new role working

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as a customer service representative for the Polk County Utilities Division. She then moved into

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a new role serving as a financial specialist one before being promoted to recurrent position working

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as a financial specialist three for the Utilities Division.

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She obtained her accounting one, accounting two, and accounting three diploma from Travis

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Technical College.

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She is a member of Family Worship Center in Lakeland.

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In her spare time to Keter and Joyce being a custom cake decorator and florist, traveling

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and spending time with her daughter Kayla, her son, Joe, her daughter and law, Shayna, and

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her three grandchildren.

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In the future, she looks forward to retiring after 30 years of service with Pope County

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and marrying her fiancé in Jamaica.

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Victor Kelly has worked for the Polk County Utilities Division for 30 years.

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In 1996, he began his career with the division, working as a service worker one.

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Throughout his career, Victor has served in a number of roles, including working as a service

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worker two, service worker three, and equipment operator three before being promoted to his

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current role to serve as a utility system operator three for the division.

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Throughout his career, Victor has obtained several certifications, including his class A CDL,

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class two distribution system operator license, and his reclaimed waterfield site inspector

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certification.

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In his spare time, Victor enjoys spending time with his wife, Carol, his daughter Heather,

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and his sons, Josh and Billy.

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Madam Chair, members of the, members of the audience, 95 years of service to Polk County.

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Congratulations all and thank you so much for your service.

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Next we have Katie Hayes, Director Executive Director of Keep Paul County Beautiful

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to present the 2526 Computer Community Cleanup Project

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Now line the 2026 proposed community outline project. And here she is.

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Good morning. I'm Katie Hayes, the Executive Director of QPOT County Beautiful. For those of you

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guys out here that aren't familiar with QPOT County Beautiful, we are a non-profit organization.

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We focus on litter prevention, community-based cleanups, tire recycling, and environmental

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education. This year is a big year for us. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary. And I have been very

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blessed and lucky to serve as a part of Keepo County Beautiful for the past 22 years. So I just

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want to before I begin this presentation. Thank all of our volunteers, our sponsors, our board

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of directors, our county government, and all of your offices that make Keepo County Beautiful

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possible. I'm an office of one, so I can't do anything without the people that are here today.

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So without any.

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To the 2025 to 2026, clean it up to green it up program.

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This program, recipient of the 2000 and 25, keep America Beautiful National Innovation Award has helped

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Low County residents since 2011, by providing free disposal of materials not accepted through

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curbside collection, including construction debris, bulk waste, large tree debris, and illegally

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dumped tires.

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Clean up locations are selected based on community need, and the program is made possible

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through the support of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and our local waste

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haulers, FCC Environmental Services, GFL Environmental, Waste Management, and Scrappet, who

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donate curbside entire collection services that help reduce illegal dumping throughout the

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community. Program information is dispersed throughout the community using various forms of

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communication, including utilizing programs through the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Polk County

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School Board, Flyers, Social Media and Traditional Media sources like Radio and News outlets.

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Keep Polk County Beautiful kicked off this year's program in the Wabash community collecting

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78,940 pounds of garbage curbside and collecting 2,661 tires at the Bartotire collection event.

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55,860 pounds of curbside junk and debris was collected in the Inwood community on November 22nd.

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110,420 pounds of junk and debris was collected curbside in the Lowees and Waniita communities, as well as 1,897 tires that were collected at the Eagle Lake tire collection event.

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19,500 pounds of curbside trash was collected from the Boggy Bottom, Florence Villa, and Carefree Cove Communities.

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A new location for tire collection was added within the Florence Villa community, collecting 1,151 tires.

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The Skyview Eaton Park, Crystal Lake, and South-Combie Communities produced 56,840 pounds of curbside garbage.

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This event was held in partnership with the annual Lakeland Tire and household hazardous waste collection event, collecting 1,886 tires for proper disposal.

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The Golf U and Washington Park communities in Lake Wales were both added into this year's cleanup rotation collecting 17,540 pounds of junk and debris curbside from these two small communities.

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In addition, Keep Polk County Beautiful collected 1,514 tires at the Eagle Ridge Mall.

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In addition to a curbside collection event in non-incorporated Polk City,

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Keep Polk County Beautiful hosted a community dumpster cleanup and free tire collection event for Polk City residents.

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Together, these events removed 113,560 pounds of junk in debris, including nearly 3,000 tires collected in just 4 hours,

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highlighting the significant community need for these services.

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We concluded this year's curbside cleanup season in June, with an event in the North

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Pointsyana community, removing 76,960 pounds of junk and debris.

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This area was selected to address significant illegal dumping hotspots, and due to the continued

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need, another section of Pointsyana will be included in the upcoming cleanup season.

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During the 2025 to 2026 clean it up to green it up season.

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Keep Pope County beautiful with the support of our Pope County government and waste hauling partners.

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Collected 529,620 pounds of junk and debris as well as 11,951 tires for proper disposal.

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These results demonstrate the power of community partnerships and the positive difference we can make when we work together to keep hope.

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County Clean and Beautiful. In addition to the clean it up to green it up program, keep

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Pope County Beautiful hosts community, waterway, park and roadway cleanups throughout the year.

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Together, these efforts removed hundreds of thousands of additional pounds of trash from

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Pope County this year. This year's L.O.E.'s C.R.A. cleanup in April, removed 30,720 pounds of

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We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces returning to volunteer.

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Thanks to Republic Services National Neighborhood Promise Grant,

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in partnership with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful,

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we also give away 100 free trees at this event

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as part of five tree giveaways across Pope County this year.

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The grant will also provide a scholarship for a Pope County graduating senior.

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Residents were so excited about the tree giveaway

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that some began lining up as early as 5.30 a.m.

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We're excited to, once again, partner with Polk County Solid Waste, to honor young artists at the unveiling of the Leachate Treatment Walk, created by Polk County Public Schools Middle School students on September 12.

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Be sure to mark your calendars, invitations will be sent out soon.

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Here is our 2026 to 2027 tentative clean it up to green it up entire collection event schedule.

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The

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Clean It Up to Green It Up Program is made possible through the continued support of the

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Polk County Board of County Commissioners and our waste hauling partners FCC environmental

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services, GFL environmental, waste management, and scrap it.

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We also thank our municipal partners, City of Bartos, Solid Waste and Lakeland Solid

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Waste, along with our community partners at the Polk County Sheriff's Office Weekend Work

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Release Program, Communications Office, and Environmental Crimes Unit.

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Our government partners in code enforcement, roads and drainage, communications, and solid

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waste all continue to play an essential role in making these community programs a success.

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Together, we are making a difference and building a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful

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future for Polk County.

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Thank you for helping us.

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Keep Polk County beautiful.

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Ta-da.

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Thank you again for supporting our programs, our projects, and making these projects possible.

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as you guys saw, we collected 12,000 tires and that's just with that program.

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That's not including all of our other community-based programs that we do, the adoptor road,

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the adoptor park, our waterway cleanups. That's just that one specific program. So thank you for

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entrusting us to help take care of Polk County and helping keep Polk County beautiful.

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Thank you, Commissioner Wilson.

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Unbelieverably hard. This is a big county.

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You know, and the numbers show when you, you know, just what you show here today, and it's a group effort to do that.

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And it's just not in a certain area, just all over the county that you do this, and I appreciate it.

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Because, you know, keeping put county beautiful is all our, is what we're all trying to do.

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But thank you, thank you for all you do, and you'll have me out there slinging some more tires, I know.

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I'm looking forward to it. I know it's your favorite.

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Anybody else, yes?

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Just curious, let's say it's for the looking up the previous year data versus Karen.

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It was over 20% increase in both the tonnage of trash and also the number of tires.

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We're typically seeing that as a trend as far as it is going up 20% almost every single year.

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Some years are a little better than others, but yes, the trend is going up based off of the population growth is what we're noticing.

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with the new development with the apartment complexes coming in. We're seeing a legal dumping

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changing a little. But we are definitely seeing more of our resident actually participating

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in these programs, which is a positive. They're not dumping the stuff on the side of the road.

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They're actually putting this out to help clean up their communities. So we are seeing an increase

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and participation as well.

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But are you seeing on back to the department topics

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or the department's kind of our change?

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Are you seeing more legal dumping as some of that comes?

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I'm just wondering if we need to change some of our requirements

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for those developments to have more trash facilities

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if we're seeing kind of a link there.

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Just some way to help come in.

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I appreciate what you guys do.

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But again, if we can take off some of the burdens

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I was going to be there.

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But if we can reduce the 20% or 25% increase year every year,

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because at some point in time,

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and now we get into, you know, a million times.

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I mean, it could be incredibly high, right?

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So yeah, we, we've definitely seen with certain growth,

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the illegal dump sites are popping up.

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So, I would like to thank all of those, those type of communities when we're saying, apartment complexes, come up, especially ones that don't include like a bulk pickup.

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We are seeing that bulky item dumping on the right of ways.

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I don't know, I'm very good. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Scott.

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I believe we already have it in a works looking at some additional requirements for apartment complexes and stuff and regards to having the proper dumpsters and everything.

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So I think that's already being worked on by land development.

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Yeah, I think we may just have to look at the actual size of it because it seems like

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there's probably even more of it.

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There was a need that we had already talked about.

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I remember that discussion, but I want to make sure from an actual volume of capacity

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that when we do address the need, we're providing the adequate space.

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Because it seems again, we're increasing by 20% year over year.

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I'm not saying it's just that type of development either.

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But again, if we can make some kind of link

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to help reduce some of us, I'd be great.

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Thank you.

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Anyone else?

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Katie, I just want to say you're awesome.

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You're a one person office.

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And you do work based on all the volunteers.

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And it's amazing, especially in the pictures

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we just saw them out.

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A people that come out and help you.

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Thank you for everything that you do

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to keep Polk County beautiful.

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It's working and it's great.

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I'm still amazed at the number of tires that you guys accumulate.

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I've never ever imagined that we would have that kind of number showing up on our county,

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but we appreciate what you do.

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Thank you very much and we'll look forward to hearing more wonderful things that you're doing.

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So thank you. Thank you. And again, I can't take the credit for it.

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It's our volunteer. That's our waste-tawling sponsor.

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You're one person, everybody else.

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You're one person. That's what I'm saying.

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I'm just coordinating it all.

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I'm just amazed at how you can round up all these people,

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especially here, Commissioner Wilson.

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It's a puppy dog, guys.

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It's the tears, it's the begging, and all works.

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Thank you, guys.

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Thank you, guys.

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Thank you.

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Thank you very much.

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Thank you.

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In our last presentation, we have Dave Carter,

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a chairman of the Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee,

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to provide an update on the committee's activity.

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Welcome, Dave.

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Good morning, Madam Chair.

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Commissioner's County Manager, Dave Carter,

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professional engineer.

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I serve as chairman of the County Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee.

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Here this morning to give you our annual update annual report.

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After all the other presentations before, we like Stormwater.

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We think it's exciting.

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Others maybe don't fill that way, but we're pretty excited about it.

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Just a little back around, talk about some funding,

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and then I've got a couple of projects I want to share with you later on.

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So the committee was established back in 2013, it's purpose at that time, was to assist

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the county in implementing what's called the NPDES Program National Pluton Discharge

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Illumination System.

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The county in 2013 implemented a MSTU and there was concerned politically about having

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some oversight to the counties activities in that area and making sure we were in compliance

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with our permit requirements. We do review the county proposed project and funding levels,

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and we provide technical assistance to county staff and addressing service water issues.

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Next slide, please. Just a little overview. We've been here for 13 years. In 13,

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there was very little funding for storm water. The county was doing some basic outfall inventory,

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education programs and at the time they had something like 40 unfunded CIP projects.

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The MSTU fee was instituted.

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The funding started rolling in about 2025.

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The county then began doing some water quality management plans.

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In 2019, I think it remarkable was the lake wind project that we've talked about several times.

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That's a late project that the Peace Creek Canal System Bisex, that project was conducted in two different phases was very successfully completed and the results from that project have been very, very promising and very, very positive.

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2019, they were looking at more feasibility studies in additional funding and grant income from other agencies.

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Currently, we are successfully meeting our NPDES requirements.

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I want to make sure I told you that.

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And also, we've had to address new Florida statutes on storm water, regarding septic tanks, beam app, building resiliency, which has to do with vulnerability assessment or critical facilities.

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these things like hospitals, power plant, critical facilities that are sometimes flattened

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What we can do to take care of that. Next slide, please. This is a pretty happy picture. Actually, the funding that your staff has sought and gotten in terms of grants has been outstanding over the years.

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This year, there's almost a 10-to-one ratio of outside grant money versus county tax dollars. I just think that's extraordinary to have that kind of return with those county dollars.

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One thing I would point out, when you get a grant, it's not just a free check, you've got

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to do a number of performance things that you have to do to satisfy that grant.

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So they don't just give you the money.

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You have to do things that they ask for in the grant to successfully do the funding and get

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the grant reimbursement.

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So the county has traditionally done a great job at seeking grants and successfully fulfilling

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the requirements and grants.

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Next slide, please.

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I'm not going to go over all these, but just this is just to give you a taste of all the

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activities that the county is involved in. They do a number of small scale projects that

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don't get much, much reporting, but they also do some innovative technology that they're

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working on. The streetsweeking program I'm going to talk about in a minute. They look

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at over 250 outfalls that they do condition reports on. There's 20 water quality treatment

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facilities that are being operated in maintain, because once you build these facilities,

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you just can't walk away, you have to take care of them and make sure they're operating

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properly.

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I'm sure you're aware of the county's water atlas web page is maintained by your staff.

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They also are collecting water quality samples within house lab analysis on 140 sites that

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they do quarterly.

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So quite a bit of assessment of the water systems around the county next slide.

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Thank you.

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This is what I call sort of our water quality report card.

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It looks at 115 likes 37 stream sites.

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And they only look and for rating like this on this report card,

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if the site has said 10 years of historical data,

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a trend line for it to move up or down has to have four quarters

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directly where it's measured in.

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The trend line is established for four quarters.

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On a water body you may be sampling multiple points and you may be sampling multiple constituents with any of those points.

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And so this is what I call an average under an average, but results this year are promising as they have been in the last couple of years.

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So we've had a trend of promising results. The number of lakes that are improving, so 148, the declining lakes are 91.

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There's over 300 that showed no significant trend one way or the other.

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On streams, there's 19 stream systems that are improving and only five declining, again, 76 that

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know the show knows they're giving it trends.

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So, again, this is a, I think a positive report card and this has been consistent the last

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couple of years.

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We've looked at this.

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We've had similar results, so I think this is a pretty good trend line, the next slide.

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Not going to go into all the NPDES requirements and what I think I would take away from this

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graphic is that when you start the program with cycle one is a few basic things you do.

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Then you go to cycle two, you have to continue doing those basic things but they add on

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two or three other tasks and things that you have to handle and every time the permit cycle

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renews there are more things you have to do. We're in cycle four now. They typically are

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running about four or five, six years per cycle. The latest things we're looking at I mentioned

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earlier was addressing septic tank nutrient loading and B map requirement based in management

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action plans. So we're almost into cycle five with our permit and once again we are

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in compliance with our NPDES permit requirements. Next slide. Thank you.

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Street sweeping is considered a non-structural program. The county originally started the only

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it looked at six basins are now looking at and doing a street sweeping on 30 basins.

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This is by no means random.

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These sites are targeted based on the downstream water body and what the treatment levels

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of the streets, you know, upstream of that and looking at which system should be, should

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be checked and done.

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It focuses on impaired water bodies and it's part of your NP- to ES requirement to

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do a street sweeping program next slide.

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When the county does the street sweeping, they have ways they can check the amount of pounds

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they're bringing in and there's a ratio between that and the amount of nutrients that

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are in those pounds of nutrients you think of it like fertilizer and there's almost

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1,800 pounds of nutrients were removed in 2025.

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The remarkable thing to me was that is almost twice the nutrients that were removed in the

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year and talking to staff, the issue there, the improved.

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I think this comes about because they're focusing on the areas that they're doing a little closer, and they're

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also, I think, having better controls with contractor doing the street sweeping. And so the fact that

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that is doubled, I think, as a pretty good sign, pretty remarkable. Next slide. Okay, I want to

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just show you some projects, give you some ideas. These are the larger projects, typically a little more

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glamorous. So, a completed or nearly completed project, select any project. This is east of 27, south of

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This site was an old peat mine that was done decades ago.

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It was partially reclaimed.

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The county's gone in and created some flow paths for the water to allow the water to settle.

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The nutrients to settle on the water comb.

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They've done some aquatic planting.

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There's also a passive recreation area that's in the bottom.

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It's that like green area, the rectangle on the bottom of the site.

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So they try to do recreation when they do some of these projects.

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They make due use of the land that they've acquired.

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next slide. The Lake Lulu project we talked about that last year. If you remember that's

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on the south side of winter havens south side Lake Lulu. The green area on the wetland area

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on the south lake on the photo, you'll notice there are some channels in that area. Now those

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were not there two years ago and we showed you that as proposed work last year and so those channels

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have been dug. That allows the water from Lake Lulu to the ab and flow back and forth through those

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wetland areas and better treat that water.

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On the left, the graphic on the left is the area just

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to the southwest of the wetland area.

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That area was an old industrial area.

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There were some remnant stormwater or industrial treatment

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areas there.

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And the county's looking at taking those over and repurposing

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those basically.

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The water from the north and northwest flows

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into here from some industrial areas.

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00:36:50,440 --> 00:36:51,420
And it's all untreated.

443
00:36:52,020 --> 00:36:53,660
And so the idea is to capture that water

444
00:36:53,660 --> 00:36:58,900
and let it flow through sort of serpentine through those long, skinny ponds that are there.

445
00:36:58,900 --> 00:37:03,580
They have actually flow through a wetland and would flow back out to the junction point,

446
00:37:03,760 --> 00:37:06,840
which is in the lower side of that drawing.

447
00:37:07,500 --> 00:37:13,960
That's also the point, if you're familiar with the control structure, which strains of a whole

448
00:37:13,960 --> 00:37:18,640
southern winter haven chain comes in there, so that area is just north of Lake Wynn.

449
00:37:18,840 --> 00:37:20,760
So that project is on going.

450
00:37:21,560 --> 00:37:29,320
upcoming project. This project is on Lake Hamilton. It's on the northwest side of the lake.

451
00:37:29,600 --> 00:37:35,400
It's a joining the west Lake Hamilton drive if you're familiar with that. The blue line,

452
00:37:35,540 --> 00:37:40,440
the water coming from the north and an old canal basically will be filtered through some,

453
00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:46,160
either new, new, lead dug wetlands or some enhanced wetlands. It'll all drain to the east

454
00:37:46,160 --> 00:37:51,340
into Lake Hamilton. Another phase for that would be on the east side of the road. There'll

455
00:37:51,340 --> 00:37:56,480
be some wetland treatment cells created in some native wetland planks. It'll be done. And again,

456
00:37:56,800 --> 00:38:03,220
county's proposing some recreational use on that area. Next slide, please. This is simply a list

457
00:38:03,220 --> 00:38:08,540
of some of the ongoing projects. And some of these are, you'll note, date back as early as 2017

458
00:38:08,540 --> 00:38:13,920
because these projects, again, once they're created, they have to be maintained. The the

459
00:38:14,520 --> 00:38:24,420
TAC committee does look at these projects annually and we had recommended them for approval in our June meeting so I just wanted you to know that next slide.

460
00:38:25,380 --> 00:38:30,320
I understand you have before you in the consent agenda is resolution to dissolve the committee.

461
00:38:30,840 --> 00:38:32,740
We're again in our 13th year.

462
00:38:33,120 --> 00:38:36,940
Originally the committee was established as it end to be sunset after three years.

463
00:38:36,940 --> 00:38:42,040
the notion was to help the county ramp up their stormwater program.

464
00:38:42,980 --> 00:38:45,820
We're very proud of the work the county's done over that time.

465
00:38:46,420 --> 00:38:51,740
I think looking at where we are today versus where we are then in terms of the scope of the projects,

466
00:38:52,220 --> 00:38:56,180
the complexity of projects, we are light years ahead of where we were back in that day.

467
00:38:56,680 --> 00:39:01,020
And I think it's a testament to your staff, their talents, their skills and their experience.

468
00:39:01,660 --> 00:39:15,140
Our committee did vote unanimously to recommend to you that our committee be dissolved and when we feel like it, we've been our work here, it's time to move on and your staff is well qualified now to do what they do.

469
00:39:15,420 --> 00:39:20,020
And so I would mention the next slide, yes, thank you.

470
00:39:20,680 --> 00:39:25,340
Current members of the committee in Alaska, you guys to stand up, my besides my self-christ K.

471
00:39:26,680 --> 00:39:30,760
Robert Collinger, it's not here, but Ed Moralski is here and just, best guys to stand up.

472
00:39:31,920 --> 00:39:34,580
They've been on the committee anywhere from 5 to 13 years.

473
00:39:35,880 --> 00:39:41,800
Chris served on me with me when the committee was initially established, and so he's been here quite a few years.

474
00:39:42,100 --> 00:39:44,620
The other gentleman come on the last four or five years.

475
00:39:44,920 --> 00:39:49,360
Additionally, the initial members were Wangriff in John Lindsay and Dan Froose.

476
00:39:49,360 --> 00:39:52,740
So guys, thank you, just wanted to mention you.

477
00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:56,240
And Mr. Madam Chair, that is the extent of my presentation.

478
00:39:56,620 --> 00:39:58,960
I'll be happy to answer any questions you would have this morning.

479
00:40:02,740 --> 00:40:03,220
Questions?

480
00:40:05,480 --> 00:40:11,380
It's just shows what Pope County and your team, this committee has done for all these years.

481
00:40:11,920 --> 00:40:17,460
A lot of people don't understand what we do and how we do it, and they don't get involved in that much.

482
00:40:18,260 --> 00:40:23,800
But they can always complain about something when it doesn't look right. But for all these years we've been doing this.

483
00:40:23,900 --> 00:40:28,760
We'll continue to do this and try to make Pope County better when it comes to stormwater and stuff like that.

484
00:40:28,760 --> 00:40:34,700
So it's really show there by working hard together and trying to make this happen and not trying

485
00:40:34,700 --> 00:40:35,920
to make it happen.

486
00:40:36,820 --> 00:40:37,320
Thank you.

487
00:40:37,760 --> 00:40:38,340
Commissioner Noes.

488
00:40:39,760 --> 00:40:40,120
Yes.

489
00:40:40,980 --> 00:40:47,760
Mr. Harris want to say, I appreciate what the Advisory Committee has done, not that you guys know,

490
00:40:47,840 --> 00:40:52,980
but I actually attended a meeting many, many years ago as a professional engineer and as

491
00:40:52,980 --> 00:40:53,900
a stormwater expert.

492
00:40:54,240 --> 00:40:57,020
Just to learn what Polkan is doing, because it's a consultant, you know, it's the way

493
00:40:57,020 --> 00:40:58,340
you figure out what work is next.

494
00:40:59,000 --> 00:41:09,460
But what that actually did in the time I didn't know it, is it spurred an interest in me to get involved in the public forum and the reason I ended up running for office one of them was because I want to make a difference.

495
00:41:09,840 --> 00:41:15,400
And the reason I really want to be involved in the sort of water technical advisor committee at the time was to make a difference.

496
00:41:15,660 --> 00:41:28,320
And although that wasn't in the cards at the time, I appreciated the insight that you guys did and just some of the ingenuity that you brought I think to a county platform as far as

497
00:41:28,320 --> 00:41:31,920
more advanced than a lot of other counties even have an opportunity to do.

498
00:41:32,060 --> 00:41:36,940
So when you look at the members that are on the committee and the minimum years of expertise,

499
00:41:38,040 --> 00:41:41,340
it really did a great thing for Pope County, but also did a great thing for me personally.

500
00:41:41,600 --> 00:41:45,760
Because again, it's one of the inspirations I had to run for commissioners.

501
00:41:45,880 --> 00:41:49,720
So I do appreciate all the time. You guys put into it all the years and all the improvements.

502
00:41:49,840 --> 00:41:51,700
You provided the Pope County. Thank you.

503
00:41:51,940 --> 00:41:55,620
Thank you for those comments. I was very nice. Thank you. Anyone else?

504
00:42:00,160 --> 00:42:07,060
Ms. Beal has some information and would like to say a few words about the team.

505
00:42:08,620 --> 00:42:10,080
Good morning, commissioners.

506
00:42:10,300 --> 00:42:12,720
Tabitha Beal with Park Sinatra Resources Director.

507
00:42:13,520 --> 00:42:18,980
It's my privilege to recognize and sincerely thank the members of our Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee

508
00:42:18,980 --> 00:42:22,860
for their outstanding volunteer service and commitment to Polk County.

509
00:42:23,820 --> 00:42:25,660
I asked staff to come forward.

510
00:42:25,800 --> 00:42:28,360
We have a little something to give them for their service.

511
00:42:29,100 --> 00:42:31,480
And the first one is Dave Carter.

512
00:42:32,240 --> 00:42:33,960
Chris Kaye, if you'll come up.

513
00:42:34,360 --> 00:42:36,180
Jeff Spence and Moralski.

514
00:42:36,620 --> 00:42:39,080
And lastly, Mr. Bob Congers is not able to be here.

515
00:42:40,000 --> 00:42:43,040
As Dave mentioned, some of you started serving in 2013,

516
00:42:43,660 --> 00:42:46,040
which the volunteer service for this is meeting,

517
00:42:46,180 --> 00:42:48,920
sometimes on a monthly basis, multiple time.

518
00:42:49,060 --> 00:42:51,320
After they were professionals working in the work field

519
00:42:51,320 --> 00:42:54,640
for a couple hours in evening providing their technical expertise.

520
00:42:55,480 --> 00:42:56,860
It was originally for three years.

521
00:42:57,000 --> 00:42:58,880
They got promoted because of their expertise

522
00:42:58,880 --> 00:43:01,940
technical guidance and dedication to extend it

523
00:43:01,940 --> 00:43:03,520
to 13 years of service.

524
00:43:04,080 --> 00:43:06,900
And so I just, on behalf of our team, I want to recognize you

525
00:43:06,900 --> 00:43:09,700
and appreciate your encouragement, mentorship,

526
00:43:10,080 --> 00:43:11,880
and continued dedication to stack.

527
00:43:12,260 --> 00:43:14,000
Your knowledge and willingness to serve as strength

528
00:43:14,000 --> 00:43:15,800
in our stormwater program and contributed

529
00:43:17,040 --> 00:43:19,000
meaningfully to the work we do for our community.

530
00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:25,920
So on behalf of Polk County and personally, thank you for exceptional service and commitment, so I just want to say thank you to you.

531
00:43:26,260 --> 00:43:27,400
Thank you.

532
00:43:27,400 --> 00:43:27,640
Thank you.

533
00:43:32,130 --> 00:43:33,950
Those are nice awards.

534
00:43:34,730 --> 00:43:35,610
They're beautiful.

535
00:43:41,500 --> 00:43:42,560
So this is a small moment.

536
00:43:42,760 --> 00:43:43,760
Some of our things in there.

537
00:43:43,880 --> 00:43:45,740
We can have them all come to the front.

538
00:43:45,760 --> 00:43:46,640
That would be amazing.

539
00:43:47,140 --> 00:43:48,940
We could take my consent right here.

540
00:43:49,040 --> 00:43:50,300
Member of you would help them.

541
00:44:50,990 --> 00:44:59,090
They've caught up. We are. David, I just want to say thank you for your commitment.

542
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:06,940
For these years, I'm making sure that stack does the work that they've done, and based on the projects

543
00:45:06,940 --> 00:45:10,060
that we have seen, it's unbelievable, why has taken place?

544
00:45:10,180 --> 00:45:13,820
So thank you very much for your service, excellent job. Thank you.

545
00:45:13,860 --> 00:45:17,160
Madam Chair, Dave and I are actually graduates of Penn State University together.

546
00:45:17,160 --> 00:45:20,460
He's a few years behind me, but we are both graduates of Penn State University.

547
00:45:21,340 --> 00:45:27,360
Attorney Minks, there was a recommendation for dissolved. What do we do with this now?

548
00:45:27,360 --> 00:45:33,620
actually on the agenda as are the perfect as are the team. I'm sure. Perfect. Thank you.

549
00:45:34,860 --> 00:45:40,060
Okay. We'll be forward. We'll go on with the public comments for agenda items.

550
00:45:40,480 --> 00:45:45,900
Amber, do we have any? No, ma'am, we do not. Okay. And now we get to our control room this

551
00:45:45,900 --> 00:45:53,080
day see Butterfield. Good morning. Today we have for you to approve and ratify. Hang on let me get my

552
00:45:53,080 --> 00:46:02,360
information, payroll checks, 04826 through 04858, the amount of 31,635 and 13 cents.

553
00:46:02,840 --> 00:46:12,980
We have 3,200 direct deposits in the amount of 4,922,816 dollars and 27 cents, dated August 7,

554
00:46:13,140 --> 00:46:14,160
2026.

555
00:46:14,460 --> 00:46:22,440
We have wire and electronic fund transfers of 15,633,266 dollars and 28 cents, those are dated

556
00:46:22,440 --> 00:46:26,420
August 4th through August 17th of 2026.

557
00:46:27,240 --> 00:46:33,980
We have invoice checks, number 510162 through 51106,

558
00:46:34,860 --> 00:46:40,520
totaling $14,754,637.49.

559
00:46:40,960 --> 00:46:45,520
State at August 4th through August 17th of 2026 for you

560
00:46:45,520 --> 00:46:47,020
to approve and ratify please.

561
00:46:49,080 --> 00:46:54,320
Have a motion in a second. Any questions or discussion? Hearing none all in favor?

562
00:46:54,320 --> 00:46:54,660
Aye.

563
00:46:54,840 --> 00:47:00,700
Opposed motion carries. We also request the approval of the minutes of your regular

564
00:47:00,700 --> 00:47:05,260
award meeting that was held on August 4th of 2026, please.

565
00:47:06,520 --> 00:47:09,440
Have a motion in a second. Any questions?

566
00:47:10,100 --> 00:47:12,080
Hearing none all in favor? Aye.

567
00:47:12,640 --> 00:47:15,000
Opposed motion carries. Anything else?

568
00:47:15,000 --> 00:47:21,380
Yes, ma'am. My office is holding a little over $85,000 in

569
00:47:21,380 --> 00:47:30,420
Unclamed court-related funds for 154 people or businesses. So I encourage everyone to go out to our website,

570
00:47:30,580 --> 00:47:37,260
which is poltclerkfl.gov and review the list to see if you have any unclamed

571
00:47:37,260 --> 00:47:45,400
money. If you find a possible match, just call our office at 8653-4000 and give us your information

572
00:47:45,400 --> 00:47:53,340
and we will go over the procedure to claim that money. Claims must be submitted by Tuesday

573
00:47:53,340 --> 00:48:01,220
September 1st. So please check the list and help us out by spreading the word. Thank you.

574
00:48:01,220 --> 00:48:10,020
county's own treasure hunt. Thank you, county attorney, county attorney, anything for us?

575
00:48:10,080 --> 00:48:14,920
No, ma'am char, I think we've got for the Cassina agenda. Let's go ahead and

576
00:48:14,920 --> 00:48:20,040
approve that. Thank you, ma'am char. I would like to have a motion in a second,

577
00:48:20,200 --> 00:48:24,140
any questions? Discussion? Hearing none, all in favor? All right.

578
00:48:24,140 --> 00:48:28,880
Opposed, motion carries. Nothing further, ma'am char. Okay, now anything you have for us?

579
00:48:28,880 --> 00:48:32,440
Okay, let's go on to County Manager Bill Beesley.

580
00:48:32,840 --> 00:48:38,340
Madam Chair, Members of the Board, Members of the viewing audience, the manager's office will have two items for board consideration this morning.

581
00:48:39,260 --> 00:48:43,880
If I could ask Mr. Jerry Rodriguez to step to the center microphone here.

582
00:48:44,920 --> 00:48:55,220
Madam Chair, Members of the Board, I have a number of G1 is to request the Board to confirm the appointment of Mr. Jerry Rodriguez to serve as the director of the Polk County Building Division.

583
00:48:56,040 --> 00:49:00,600
The Polk County Charter specifies that the County Manager's appointment of executive service

584
00:49:00,600 --> 00:49:04,100
employees is subject to confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners.

585
00:49:04,720 --> 00:49:09,040
After a competitive public process, I have appointed Mr. Jerry Rodriguez to the position

586
00:49:09,040 --> 00:49:16,260
of Director of Polk County's Building Division Effective Monday, August 24th, 2026.

587
00:49:17,020 --> 00:49:21,260
Mr. Rodriguez brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in land development,

588
00:49:21,260 --> 00:49:27,100
municipal planning, zoning code compliance, entitlement review, and forward planning across

589
00:49:27,100 --> 00:49:32,420
both public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as a lead land development project

590
00:49:32,420 --> 00:49:37,920
manager and a forward planning manager for the DR Horton Corporation. His public sector

591
00:49:37,920 --> 00:49:42,680
experience includes serving as a planner with the Polk County Board of County Commissioners

592
00:49:42,680 --> 00:49:48,760
between the years of 1998 and 2005, as well as holding leadership roles with the Polk County

593
00:49:48,760 --> 00:49:50,940
public school system and the cities of

594
00:49:50,940 --> 00:49:53,340
Dade City, Bushnell and Davenport.

595
00:49:53,980 --> 00:49:56,120
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated

596
00:49:56,120 --> 00:49:59,000
a strong ability to lead teams, manage budgets,

597
00:49:59,160 --> 00:49:59,600
and operations.

598
00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:08,620
Mentor staff, coordinate complex development and regulatory matters, and effectively present projects and recommendations before public boards and commissions.

599
00:50:09,360 --> 00:50:21,220
Mr. Rodriguez holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida Southern College, a Bachelor of Arts in geography from the University of South Florida, and then associates of arts and liberal arts from a polka community college.

600
00:50:21,600 --> 00:50:26,280
He also served as a corporal with the United States Marine Corps assigned to field radio operations.

601
00:50:26,280 --> 00:50:31,440
The building director is an authorized position in the current adopted budget, and the existing

602
00:50:31,440 --> 00:50:38,640
appropriations are sufficient to cover a negotiated base salary of approximately 146,411 dollars,

603
00:50:39,000 --> 00:50:43,720
and employ benefits of approximately $40,730 dollars.

604
00:50:43,840 --> 00:50:48,140
So, Madam Chair, members of the board, it is my honor to recommend the board confirm the appointment

605
00:50:48,140 --> 00:50:54,740
of Mr. Jerry Rodriguez to serve as the next director of post-building division effective Monday,

606
00:50:54,740 --> 00:50:56,820
August 24th, 2026.

607
00:50:59,670 --> 00:51:01,030
Have a motion and a second.

608
00:51:01,110 --> 00:51:02,570
Any questions of discussion?

609
00:51:03,210 --> 00:51:04,350
Hearing none, all in favor?

610
00:51:04,970 --> 00:51:05,450
Opposed?

611
00:51:05,930 --> 00:51:06,370
Motion carries.

612
00:51:08,190 --> 00:51:09,830
Madam Chair, Board members.

613
00:51:10,070 --> 00:51:12,770
I want to thank you and very humble.

614
00:51:13,010 --> 00:51:15,830
I'm grateful for the opportunity to come back and work for both county.

615
00:51:19,350 --> 00:51:22,230
A little loss of words, so we're here with me.

616
00:51:23,930 --> 00:51:25,310
I want to thank Mr. Beesley.

617
00:51:25,310 --> 00:51:33,370
been done here at a review panel in the HR department for their due diligence in their

618
00:51:33,370 --> 00:51:41,750
recommendation. My goal is to lead and support the building division and the fine work

619
00:51:41,750 --> 00:51:51,170
they do work with our partnering county divisions and departments in the PCBA. My goal is to be

620
00:51:51,170 --> 00:51:58,130
responsive and provide solution driven outcomes for our residents, customers, and our business

621
00:51:58,130 --> 00:51:58,550
community.

622
00:51:59,050 --> 00:51:59,970
I want to thank you again.

623
00:52:00,990 --> 00:52:01,570
Thank you.

624
00:52:02,010 --> 00:52:02,710
And good luck.

625
00:52:04,030 --> 00:52:04,790
Welcome aboard, Jerry.

626
00:52:04,890 --> 00:52:06,090
You got some big shoes to fill.

627
00:52:06,610 --> 00:52:06,950
Thank you.

628
00:52:14,160 --> 00:52:16,060
Final item, Madam Chair for the Managers Office.

629
00:52:16,060 --> 00:52:20,880
Item number G2 is to request the board to approve and land purchase agreement between

630
00:52:20,880 --> 00:52:26,140
Richard E. Wheeler Jr. including family and Polk County in connection with the

631
00:52:26,140 --> 00:52:35,360
program project site number EL-142-25 as recommended by the Conservation Land Acquisition

632
00:52:35,360 --> 00:52:39,660
Selection Advisory Committee. This will be a property acquisition cost not to exceed

633
00:52:39,660 --> 00:52:49,260
$3,615,000. In February of 2023, the board adopted Resolution Number 2023-009, which

634
00:52:49,260 --> 00:52:54,060
created the Polk County Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee or the

635
00:52:55,140 --> 00:53:14,520
The classic was in response to a bond referendum approved by Pope Voters in November of 2022 to finance capital projects related to the acquisition, preservation, protection, management, operation and restoration of environmental lands, water resources and important fish and wildlife habitat.

636
00:53:14,520 --> 00:53:27,100
The classic reviews and evaluates properties nominated by property owners and provides a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners as to whether or not staff should pursue the acquisition properties for the program.

637
00:53:27,100 --> 00:53:33,640
One such nomination was provided by Mr. Richard E. Wheeler, Jr. and family for continuing

638
00:53:33,640 --> 00:53:40,080
for continuous attracts of land located along the north side of Masterpiece Road to the west

639
00:53:40,080 --> 00:53:42,420
of Timberlane Road in the Lake Wales area.

640
00:53:43,100 --> 00:53:47,980
The property was evaluated by the classic which recommended approval and in July of 2025

641
00:53:47,980 --> 00:53:51,620
the board approved staff to pursue the acquisition of the property.

642
00:53:52,240 --> 00:53:55,880
The county hired an independent appraiser to establish a value of the property,

643
00:53:55,880 --> 00:54:01,420
which is comprised of two rectangular shaped tax parcels containing a total of approximately

644
00:54:01,420 --> 00:54:02,380
80 acres.

645
00:54:02,940 --> 00:54:07,000
The owners of the property have agreed to accept the county's offer in the amount of

646
00:54:07,000 --> 00:54:12,680
$3,600,000 and have executed an agreement for sale in purchase of the property.

647
00:54:13,300 --> 00:54:17,040
The county attorney's office and the real estate services director have reviewed the agreement

648
00:54:17,040 --> 00:54:18,640
and recommended approval.

649
00:54:19,360 --> 00:54:24,460
Proving the agreement, authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase and hiring the American

650
00:54:24,460 --> 00:54:28,960
government services corporation to close the transaction will allow the county to take ownership

651
00:54:28,960 --> 00:54:31,400
of the property for its intended purposes.

652
00:54:32,140 --> 00:54:36,280
Funding for this environmental preservation initiative by way of this property acquisition

653
00:54:36,280 --> 00:54:41,080
is available in the parks and natural resources five year adoptive community investment program.

654
00:54:42,000 --> 00:54:48,640
3,115,000 will be provided from the Environmental Lands Acquisition Fund and 500,000 will

655
00:54:48,640 --> 00:54:52,340
be provided through a Florida Defense Support Task Force grant.

656
00:54:52,340 --> 00:54:56,520
So Madam Chair, members of the Board, I think, in keeping with the Board's priority commitments

657
00:54:56,520 --> 00:54:59,980
to environmental preservation or equality improvements in habit.

658
00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:11,700
I would request the Board to approve the proposed land purchase agreement and authorize the issuance of funds not to exceed $3,600,000 for the identified property purchase.

659
00:55:12,160 --> 00:55:28,560
I'd also request the Board to approve the hiring of the American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction and to approve paying closing costs in the estimated amount of $15,000, whereby the total transaction being approved by the Board today is not to exceed $3,615,000.

660
00:55:31,220 --> 00:55:34,880
I have a motion in a second. Any questions or discussion?

661
00:55:35,340 --> 00:55:35,700
Madam Jeremy.

662
00:55:36,040 --> 00:55:36,380
Yes.

663
00:55:36,760 --> 00:55:41,900
I just wanted to point out, you know, this particular piece was one of the parts I talked about

664
00:55:41,900 --> 00:55:47,100
on our wildlife corridor when we talked about the masterpiece property. Obviously this is infrastructure

665
00:55:47,100 --> 00:55:52,080
we have to put in there. But then with the addition of this, being added to kind of this clustering

666
00:55:52,080 --> 00:55:57,240
of property now does connect the wildlife corridor. So we're not envisioning a five-foot-wide

667
00:55:57,240 --> 00:56:03,000
to be something more appropriate. This does allow for that some super excited that we're able to

668
00:56:03,000 --> 00:56:08,520
take it this property into our program and looking for it to happen to work in her group to

669
00:56:08,520 --> 00:56:13,640
really make that connection and continue on on the Florida Wildlife How Without. Thank you.

670
00:56:13,920 --> 00:56:19,600
Thank you. Commissioner Wilson. Yeah, that particular piece, you know, we've looked at it

671
00:56:19,600 --> 00:56:23,240
a long time ago. We knew what it was going to do, what it meant to us, and how it would work all

672
00:56:23,240 --> 00:56:31,520
together, so that just goes back to how important this is on our federal program, I mean,

673
00:56:31,620 --> 00:56:37,320
classic deal, it really, we have really put some together some good pieces of property and

674
00:56:37,320 --> 00:56:40,060
for conservation, and I'm very proud to be part of that.

675
00:56:40,240 --> 00:56:46,100
We have a great team doing that, and we've got them, I can't say we got them lined up, but

676
00:56:46,100 --> 00:56:51,260
we've got plenty that we can be looking at and keep it into every month, so I'm very proud

677
00:56:51,260 --> 00:56:54,020
to have with what you do and everybody else.

678
00:56:54,120 --> 00:56:55,340
Anybody else?

679
00:56:56,120 --> 00:56:58,720
Okay, I have a motion and a second on more questions.

680
00:56:59,100 --> 00:56:59,780
All in favor?

681
00:56:59,940 --> 00:57:00,280
All right.

682
00:57:00,580 --> 00:57:02,120
Oppos, motion carries.

683
00:57:02,440 --> 00:57:03,460
That's it from me, Madam Chair.

684
00:57:03,620 --> 00:57:04,620
Thank you.

685
00:57:04,840 --> 00:57:06,680
Let's go to commissioners.

686
00:57:06,880 --> 00:57:07,860
Commissioner Trumpman.

687
00:57:08,160 --> 00:57:11,760
Just want to remind everybody today is our primary election day.

688
00:57:12,100 --> 00:57:16,020
So please get out and vote, saying your frustrations

689
00:57:16,020 --> 00:57:18,820
on social media into your neighbors, gets nothing done,

690
00:57:19,140 --> 00:57:20,320
casting your vote does.

691
00:57:22,900 --> 00:57:23,900
Anything else?

692
00:57:24,340 --> 00:57:25,340
Okay, Rick Wilson?

693
00:57:25,700 --> 00:57:27,740
Yeah, just what she said.

694
00:57:28,500 --> 00:57:29,500
Commissioner Brasswell?

695
00:57:29,640 --> 00:57:30,320
I don't have anything.

696
00:57:30,800 --> 00:57:31,860
Okay, Commissioner Scott.

697
00:57:32,320 --> 00:57:35,800
Yes, Pam, I'd like to point Levi James Stillwell as a member,

698
00:57:36,100 --> 00:57:39,040
seat six of the Polk County Historical Commission for the three year

699
00:57:39,040 --> 00:57:43,360
term from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2021.

700
00:57:43,940 --> 00:57:44,580
Thank you.

701
00:57:44,860 --> 00:57:46,220
I have a motion in a second.

702
00:57:46,340 --> 00:57:47,700
Any questions or discussion?

703
00:57:48,220 --> 00:57:49,420
Here we now know all in favor.

704
00:57:49,420 --> 00:57:49,960
All right.

705
00:57:50,300 --> 00:57:50,560
Opposed?

706
00:57:50,580 --> 00:57:51,540
Motion carries.

707
00:57:52,000 --> 00:57:52,480
Anything else?

708
00:57:52,520 --> 00:57:53,040
No, no, no, no, no.

709
00:57:53,140 --> 00:57:53,580
Thank you.

710
00:57:53,600 --> 00:57:54,920
I don't have anything else.

711
00:57:55,760 --> 00:57:58,940
And we will go now to our hearing part of the meeting.

712
00:57:59,560 --> 00:58:00,180
Thank you, Madam Chair.

713
00:58:00,500 --> 00:58:01,300
Before we get all right.

714
00:58:01,300 --> 00:58:02,040
Expected hearings.

715
00:58:02,200 --> 00:58:03,320
I will go over the public hearing.

716
00:58:03,380 --> 00:58:03,960
General procedures.

717
00:58:05,140 --> 00:58:09,180
I would remind everyone if you wish to speak on any of the public hearing items that you need

718
00:58:09,180 --> 00:58:12,440
to fill out a speaker card in the back and give the card to a member of the

719
00:58:12,440 --> 00:58:13,420
communications staff.

720
00:58:14,380 --> 00:58:17,120
We ask that you please turn off your cell phones or other devices that may

721
00:58:17,120 --> 00:58:20,960
to track from the public hearings, please adjust the microphone and state your full name and

722
00:58:20,960 --> 00:58:24,500
address for the record before you begin speaking on the topic.

723
00:58:25,320 --> 00:58:29,100
Individuals speak in the public comment section of a matter will be strictly them at three minutes.

724
00:58:30,560 --> 00:58:34,840
The board is experiencing these matters and is able to discern what is legally relevant

725
00:58:34,840 --> 00:58:35,900
to an issue and what is not.

726
00:58:36,000 --> 00:58:39,360
If we reach those relevant or repetitive it only serves to frustrate and necessarily prolong

727
00:58:39,360 --> 00:58:43,260
today's business, the commission inspects the ability at all times during all public

728
00:58:43,260 --> 00:58:43,560
hearings.

729
00:58:43,560 --> 00:58:46,580
speaking out of turn, shouting out from the audience, this sort of, quote, sounds are

730
00:58:46,580 --> 00:58:50,380
utter, says, well, another speaking are acceptable, and you will be asked to leave the

731
00:58:50,380 --> 00:58:51,760
chambers for the remainder of the day.

732
00:58:52,080 --> 00:58:56,420
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter

733
00:58:56,420 --> 00:59:01,260
considered here today, you will need a record of proceedings, and that for such purposes,

734
00:59:01,560 --> 00:59:05,400
you will may need to ensure that a verb-rated one record of the proceedings is made, which

735
00:59:05,400 --> 00:59:09,360
record includes the testimony evidence upon which the appeals to be based, which you must

736
00:59:09,360 --> 00:59:10,580
together at join expense.

737
00:59:11,680 --> 00:59:15,900
Anyone audience who wishes to speak and present testimony today must be sworn in, I'll

738
00:59:15,900 --> 00:59:19,140
testimony given during public hearings, shall be deemed to be sworn.

739
00:59:19,400 --> 00:59:23,300
At this time, if you're going to address the commissioner's speak on any case today, please

740
00:59:23,300 --> 00:59:26,940
stay in and raise your right hand and answer out loud to the following questions.

741
00:59:27,800 --> 00:59:29,060
This is for the land use cases.

742
00:59:30,580 --> 00:59:33,720
These were, for the testimony or evidence, you provide to the commission in days of truth.

743
00:59:33,760 --> 00:59:35,520
The truth and nothing but the truth.

744
00:59:36,180 --> 00:59:36,800
Thank you.

745
00:59:36,800 --> 00:59:40,920
Now, chair at this time will go over the expedited hearing, procedures, expedited

746
00:59:40,920 --> 00:59:45,140
hearings over to help pursuant to resolution number 222-089.

747
00:59:45,260 --> 00:59:48,560
Expedited hearings are used when no opposition was present at the Plan of Commission here,

748
00:59:48,640 --> 00:59:50,640
and the applicant agrees to the expedited hearings.

749
00:59:51,160 --> 00:59:54,060
And recommendation of the Development Review Committee is for approval.

750
00:59:54,280 --> 00:59:56,200
Expedited hearing procedures are the following.

751
00:59:56,460 --> 00:59:59,960
Other staff briefly introduces a case that hearing will be open for public comment.

752
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:04,480
If you want to speak stern public comment, the applicant will be given the opportunity to respond.

753
01:00:05,100 --> 01:00:09,320
At the public comment, the board will consider the land use case. At any time full presentation of staff can be

754
01:00:09,320 --> 01:00:13,260
requested from the commissioner, the applicant or member of the public. All documents attached to the

755
01:00:13,260 --> 01:00:18,440
den on or den part of the record of the land use case. Unless removed from the list of experts by motion, the board, all

756
01:00:18,440 --> 01:00:23,660
individuals on the list of experts attached to the den on or den of experts for the purpose of the land use case. At this

757
01:00:23,660 --> 01:00:26,920
time, I would turn it over to Mr. Mr. Justice School to present the expedited hearings.

758
01:00:26,920 --> 01:00:30,900
Thank you Mr. Mink, you're more than Madam Chair for the record, Ben Ziscolland Development

759
01:00:30,900 --> 01:00:31,260
Director.

760
01:00:31,840 --> 01:00:35,200
There are eight items on the expedited public hearing portion of today's agenda.

761
01:00:36,520 --> 01:00:44,660
Item number N1 is an expedited public hearing for case LDCPAL 2026-4 organic matters text

762
01:00:44,660 --> 01:00:51,220
to consider a future land use organic matters to consider a future land use map change

763
01:00:51,220 --> 01:00:56,320
on approximately 71 acres from Business Park Center to Industrial.

764
01:00:57,140 --> 01:01:02,600
The subject site is located on U.S. 17 just south of the city of Bartow.

765
01:01:03,120 --> 01:01:09,100
As you can see on the screen, at a larger scale, Bartow is both to the east and the west

766
01:01:09,100 --> 01:01:13,700
with the exception of the land that is right on Highway 17.

767
01:01:14,140 --> 01:01:19,080
Zooming in closer to the subject property, you can see that there is an industrial site

768
01:01:19,080 --> 01:01:25,720
to the north and to the south, but the subject site still retains a BPC to designation.

769
01:01:26,220 --> 01:01:30,300
The request on the right hand side, although the purple doesn't quite color match,

770
01:01:30,800 --> 01:01:34,660
is to match the industrial by changing the land use from BPC to industrial.

771
01:01:35,200 --> 01:01:39,000
So this entire section of U.S. 17 will have an industrial land use designation.

772
01:01:40,020 --> 01:01:44,060
This is a large scale comprehensive plan amendment because it exceeds 50 acres.

773
01:01:44,060 --> 01:01:48,980
It was reviewed by the Planning Commission and received unanimous recommendation of approval.

774
01:01:49,620 --> 01:01:54,160
So following any questions or comments today from either the public or the board staff recommends

775
01:01:54,160 --> 01:01:56,480
Transmiddles to the Florida Department of Commerce.

776
01:01:57,720 --> 01:01:59,800
Any questions for staff?

777
01:02:00,640 --> 01:02:03,460
Hearing none, we'll open it up for public hearing number.

778
01:02:03,460 --> 01:02:04,900
Do we have anybody for this one?

779
01:02:05,000 --> 01:02:06,000
Not for this one, ma'am.

780
01:02:06,260 --> 01:02:06,660
Okay, thank you.

781
01:02:06,780 --> 01:02:09,400
I'll close the public hearing and bring it back to the board.

782
01:02:11,480 --> 01:02:19,220
I have a motion in a second, and the questions the discussions here in non-all-in-favor proposed motion carries.

783
01:02:20,180 --> 01:02:29,220
Item number N2 is an expedited public hearing for case LDCPAL-2026-3, socrum loop west LCC CPA,

784
01:02:29,800 --> 01:02:34,740
to consider a future land use map designation on approximately an acre and a half,

785
01:02:34,740 --> 01:02:38,080
changing from residential low to linear commercial corridor.

786
01:02:38,800 --> 01:02:41,640
The subject site is located on so-crum loop

787
01:02:41,640 --> 01:02:45,020
just to the east of US Highway 98.

788
01:02:45,560 --> 01:02:48,820
As you can see on the screen, underneath the word current,

789
01:02:49,120 --> 01:02:51,500
there's a larger linear commercial corridor,

790
01:02:51,820 --> 01:02:55,360
which is on both the east and the west side of US Highway 98.

791
01:02:55,820 --> 01:02:59,400
The subject parcel does have the residential low designation.

792
01:02:59,880 --> 01:03:04,380
The request is to expand the LCC by one parcel.

793
01:03:04,380 --> 01:03:12,540
You can see an existing commercial development or a commercial property just to the west of the site to the north as an existing church.

794
01:03:12,860 --> 01:03:16,280
The request is to expand this this 1.49 acres.

795
01:03:16,820 --> 01:03:26,060
As you'll recall over the last several meetings, there was a text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan which will facilitate or allow this expansion.

796
01:03:27,120 --> 01:03:34,360
This is an acre and a half, but it is within the green swamp, which therefore qualifies it as a large scale comprehensive plan.

797
01:03:34,360 --> 01:03:37,980
So, very, very small large scale comprehensive plan amendment.

798
01:03:38,660 --> 01:03:42,900
The item did appear before the Planning Commission and received unanimous recommendation of approval.

799
01:03:43,500 --> 01:03:48,020
So following any questions or comments, staff also recommends transmitting this to Florida Commerce.

800
01:03:49,040 --> 01:03:50,220
Any questions for staff?

801
01:03:50,340 --> 01:03:50,720
Yes, ma'am.

802
01:03:52,100 --> 01:03:53,900
All right, so just a couple.

803
01:03:54,220 --> 01:03:57,360
If we go back to, there was a,

804
01:03:57,360 --> 01:04:04,240
is like an outdoor storage and kind of RV storage of is north on 98 that the one in front

805
01:04:04,240 --> 01:04:08,200
approval was expanding their existing site. It's like an RV storage or something like that.

806
01:04:08,460 --> 01:04:13,000
We said at that time that along 98 the DLCC corridor had been established for many years and

807
01:04:13,000 --> 01:04:20,080
there wasn't going to be allowable expansion easter west to extend LCC but that particular use.

808
01:04:21,300 --> 01:04:25,620
I think we did it as a TSD. I'm going outside of my area of expertise but there was a

809
01:04:25,620 --> 01:04:29,820
I'm not saying you swear with a sign that allowed them to have the expansion of their

810
01:04:29,820 --> 01:04:34,160
business without it being LCC, as the original property was, and I'm just going to

811
01:04:34,160 --> 01:04:39,160
curious on the LCC that you're referring to on the text of them, and that was for the

812
01:04:39,160 --> 01:04:41,640
project, the site that was in Polk City, is that correct?

813
01:04:42,000 --> 01:04:45,820
I was going to allow the Polk City expansion, just trying to see where this kind of

814
01:04:45,820 --> 01:04:48,800
group looks to get it beyond where we were historically.

815
01:04:50,420 --> 01:04:55,000
I'm not recalling exactly which other land use case you're referencing.

816
01:04:55,000 --> 01:04:59,720
What I will say is this is with in the Polk City special protection area.

817
01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:12,960
So it was this exact parcel that had been asked. We had an asterix in our land development code that did not allow the LCC within the Polk City Special Protection Area to expand.

818
01:05:13,700 --> 01:05:26,000
That asterix only applied to this parcel everywhere else throughout the county. There is a process where a linear commercial corridor could come before the Planning Commission and the Board to seek an expansion.

819
01:05:26,000 --> 01:05:32,200
So by removing that asterix and that footnote from the code, it now put this parcel on equal

820
01:05:32,200 --> 01:05:34,020
playing field with the rest of the county.

821
01:05:35,280 --> 01:05:40,160
We knew that that text amendment was an anticipation of this request coming before you.

822
01:05:40,500 --> 01:05:49,540
But as you can see, where the existing LCC exists up and down 98, the Polk City selected

823
01:05:49,540 --> 01:05:57,480
area planned, follows the US-98 corridor, and then turns, do east on Socrum Loop. So everything

824
01:05:57,480 --> 01:06:04,080
to the west of US-98, or everything to the south of Socrum Loop, is not in the Polk City

825
01:06:04,080 --> 01:06:10,120
Special Protection Area. The only LCC parcel that was in the Polk City Special Protection

826
01:06:10,120 --> 01:06:18,780
Area was this particular parcel here. So that footnote prevented this one property from

827
01:06:18,780 --> 01:06:20,680
seeking the expansions before each day.

828
01:06:20,800 --> 01:06:22,100
So I guess just from my own information,

829
01:06:22,220 --> 01:06:24,160
how did the folks that are from a historical standpoint?

830
01:06:24,200 --> 01:06:26,660
How did the folks that are special protection area

831
01:06:26,660 --> 01:06:27,660
get down to the Waiklin?

832
01:06:27,760 --> 01:06:30,920
That's the way it's away from the folks that are there.

833
01:06:31,100 --> 01:06:33,720
That certainly predates my time with the county

834
01:06:33,720 --> 01:06:35,560
and when that line was drawn,

835
01:06:36,020 --> 01:06:40,980
but common planning practices using a major roadway

836
01:06:40,980 --> 01:06:42,120
to be a differentiator.

837
01:06:42,340 --> 01:06:43,700
So clearly that was done at the time

838
01:06:43,700 --> 01:06:46,300
when they used the US-98 in the Soak Room loop corridors

839
01:06:46,300 --> 01:06:47,460
as the dividing line.

840
01:06:47,460 --> 01:06:49,800
but the methodology or the thought process

841
01:06:49,800 --> 01:06:51,480
that went into that pre-dates me,

842
01:06:51,540 --> 01:06:53,460
maybe some other staff would be able to answer that question.

843
01:06:54,240 --> 01:06:54,420
Okay.

844
01:06:55,120 --> 01:06:56,840
So this doesn't, like you said,

845
01:06:56,960 --> 01:06:58,480
this is just gonna be for this parcel.

846
01:06:59,240 --> 01:07:01,220
I guess when I heard folks city before I didn't realize

847
01:07:01,220 --> 01:07:04,340
spatially, we were talking about 98 North and North Lake

848
01:07:04,340 --> 01:07:07,240
and I was thinking more towards folks city,

849
01:07:07,260 --> 01:07:08,680
despite nature of them, okay.

850
01:07:08,960 --> 01:07:09,980
Thank you, appreciate the clarification.

851
01:07:10,620 --> 01:07:10,920
Yes, sir.

852
01:07:11,760 --> 01:07:13,200
Any other questions for staff?

853
01:07:14,220 --> 01:07:16,140
Hearing none, I'll open it off of public hearing.

854
01:07:16,140 --> 01:07:21,860
Do we have anyone for this one? No, ma'am. Okay, I close the public hearing and bring it back to the board

855
01:07:23,620 --> 01:07:30,640
Have a motion in a second any questions discussion on the motion here in non-all in favor

856
01:07:31,240 --> 01:07:32,940
Opposed motion carries

857
01:07:33,500 --> 01:07:39,140
Item number N three is an expedited public hearing for case LDCPA L2025-2

858
01:07:39,980 --> 01:07:42,480
U.S. 98 and peace river AR

859
01:07:42,480 --> 01:07:52,400
to consider a future land use map designation change on approximately 116.5 acres from phosphate mining to agricultural residential rural.

860
01:07:53,020 --> 01:08:06,140
This is a continuation of an effort directed by the board to seek out properties that had a phosphate mining designation that had never been owned or operated by a mining company or not part of a mining plan.

861
01:08:06,140 --> 01:08:18,060
In this particular case, you can see that there's 116 acres of land on the north side of US-98 just to the east of the city of Fort Mead.

862
01:08:18,700 --> 01:08:24,620
These properties all contain residential development and residential dwellings that were built in the 1960s.

863
01:08:24,840 --> 01:08:34,460
This amendment will accurately reflect the use of the properties as residential and agricultural and not part of a phosphate mine.

864
01:08:34,460 --> 01:08:46,400
This will afford the property owners the rights to use their property for residential and agricultural purposes as as designed and as has existed for over 60 years.

865
01:08:46,800 --> 01:08:50,840
This also appeared before the Planning Commission with the unanimous recommendation of approval.

866
01:08:51,520 --> 01:08:54,940
Being that it exceeds 50 acres, it is a large scale comprehensive plan amendment.

867
01:08:55,460 --> 01:09:00,800
So following any questions or comments, we also request a favorable vote to transmit this to Florida Commerce.

868
01:09:01,840 --> 01:09:03,340
Any questions for staff?

869
01:09:04,220 --> 01:09:05,480
You're in none.

870
01:09:05,840 --> 01:09:07,080
I hope you're in a public hearing.

871
01:09:07,320 --> 01:09:07,820
Yes, ma'am.

872
01:09:07,940 --> 01:09:08,600
We have one.

873
01:09:14,100 --> 01:09:14,540
No, ma'am.

874
01:09:14,940 --> 01:09:16,800
So just for the record that was Mr. Butler,

875
01:09:17,280 --> 01:09:18,700
and he's no longer wants to come up.

876
01:09:19,920 --> 01:09:21,160
Just we have a record.

877
01:09:21,400 --> 01:09:21,760
Thank you.

878
01:09:22,840 --> 01:09:26,520
So we close the public hearing and bring it back to the board.

879
01:09:29,200 --> 01:09:31,960
Have a motion for approval in a second.

880
01:09:32,500 --> 01:09:33,760
Any questions or discussion?

881
01:09:34,380 --> 01:09:34,780
Hearing none.

882
01:09:34,920 --> 01:09:35,700
All in favor?

883
01:09:36,320 --> 01:09:36,800
Opposed?

884
01:09:36,940 --> 01:09:37,820
Motion carries.

885
01:09:39,080 --> 01:09:47,760
I remember N4 is an expedited public hearing for case LDCPAL 2025-3, Parish and Keller ARR to consider

886
01:09:47,760 --> 01:09:51,780
a future land use map designation change from phosphate mining to agricultural residential

887
01:09:51,780 --> 01:09:52,320
rural.

888
01:09:52,800 --> 01:09:57,020
This item is nearly identical, very, very similar to the previous item.

889
01:09:57,680 --> 01:09:59,980
Again, it is a piece of land to the...

890
01:10:00,340 --> 01:10:11,440
east of the city of Fort Mead, slightly east of the previous item. This also includes multiple residential properties that have contained residential structures since the 60s.

891
01:10:11,740 --> 01:10:21,100
You can see them on the screen here just to the south of U.S. 98 as it makes its bend. You can see the parcels here all containing residential structures.

892
01:10:21,900 --> 01:10:30,320
The current future land use map has most of this designated as phosphate mining. These properties were not a part of a phosphate mine or owned and operated by a

893
01:10:30,320 --> 01:10:35,260
cross fate company, and the request is to change their designation to agricultural residential

894
01:10:35,260 --> 01:10:36,320
rural as well.

895
01:10:36,900 --> 01:10:42,820
The accumulation of these parcels is 66.5 acres, so since that exceeds 50 acres, this

896
01:10:42,820 --> 01:10:46,960
is also a large scale comprehensive plan amendment, following any questions or comments, staff

897
01:10:46,960 --> 01:10:49,080
recommends approval to transmit to four to commerce.

898
01:10:50,060 --> 01:10:50,920
Any questions?

899
01:10:51,520 --> 01:10:51,900
Yes.

900
01:10:52,300 --> 01:10:52,840
No questions.

901
01:10:53,180 --> 01:10:53,480
Just comment.

902
01:10:53,620 --> 01:10:58,100
Again, just for a refresher, we've had some residents have to come in and do this on their own

903
01:10:58,100 --> 01:11:02,780
and it's several thousand dollars, so thanks for being proactive and getting this cleared up

904
01:11:02,780 --> 01:11:07,120
once we saw some of this happening, thank you.

905
01:11:07,560 --> 01:11:09,680
Any other questions or comments for staff?

906
01:11:10,440 --> 01:11:13,500
Here in nine, I open it up a public hearing, Amber, do we have anyone?

907
01:11:13,760 --> 01:11:14,660
No, ma'am, we do not.

908
01:11:14,880 --> 01:11:17,960
Okay, close the public hearing and bring it back to the board.

909
01:11:20,640 --> 01:11:23,520
Have a motion in a second, any questions discussion?

910
01:11:23,840 --> 01:11:25,100
Here in nine, all in favor?

911
01:11:25,700 --> 01:11:26,140
Opposed?

912
01:11:26,540 --> 01:11:27,060
Motion carries.

913
01:11:28,080 --> 01:11:35,300
Item number N5 is an expedited public caring for case LDCPAL 2026-5, Indian Lake Estates,

914
01:11:35,540 --> 01:11:42,560
sewer and duplexed text, items N5 and N6 are companion items N5 relates to the comprehensive

915
01:11:42,560 --> 01:11:50,000
plan and N6 is a corresponding item for the land development code. Both of these items are

916
01:11:50,000 --> 01:11:55,080
text amendments which would allow the construction of duplexes in the Indian Lake Estates

917
01:11:55,080 --> 01:12:01,340
community and will allow those due pledges to be connected to septic, it will allow them to be

918
01:12:01,340 --> 01:12:08,120
a shared septic between the two units of a dueplex. So each dueplex, while it's two separate

919
01:12:08,120 --> 01:12:15,040
living units will have one shared dueplex. Item N5 is the comprehensive plan text. This was

920
01:12:15,040 --> 01:12:20,200
transmitted to the Florida Department of Commerce and received no comments. Your planning

921
01:12:20,200 --> 01:12:24,700
commission did recommend this for approval and following any questions or comments today.

922
01:12:24,700 --> 01:12:27,100
staff recommends adoption of this text amendment.

923
01:12:28,280 --> 01:12:29,060
Question for staff?

924
01:12:29,460 --> 01:12:30,440
Yes, Commissioner Brasswell.

925
01:12:31,380 --> 01:12:32,900
Why does this run a bell, my head?

926
01:12:32,980 --> 01:12:37,180
Do we do this for an individual parcel before and now we're

927
01:12:37,180 --> 01:12:39,160
just changing the comp plan?

928
01:12:39,820 --> 01:12:45,800
There was a request to exempt the connection to sewer about a year ago.

929
01:12:46,420 --> 01:12:50,240
This specifically requires the due places to share a septic.

930
01:12:50,240 --> 01:12:54,540
So it cuts the number of septic tanks in half from what was proposed before.

931
01:12:54,860 --> 01:12:59,080
The request was for individual septic tanks about a year ago.

932
01:12:59,200 --> 01:13:00,540
So this is a modified request.

933
01:13:01,120 --> 01:13:01,300
All right.

934
01:13:02,900 --> 01:13:04,240
Any other question for staff?

935
01:13:05,340 --> 01:13:07,420
Here and now I open for public hearing, Amber.

936
01:13:07,440 --> 01:13:08,140
Do we have anyone?

937
01:13:08,400 --> 01:13:09,100
No, ma'am not.

938
01:13:09,940 --> 01:13:13,020
I close the public hearing and bring it back to the board.

939
01:13:14,840 --> 01:13:16,900
I have a motion on a second.

940
01:13:16,940 --> 01:13:17,520
Any questions?

941
01:13:18,080 --> 01:13:18,600
Discussion?

942
01:13:18,600 --> 01:13:20,160
Hearing none, all in favour?

943
01:13:20,680 --> 01:13:21,240
Opposed?

944
01:13:21,720 --> 01:13:22,440
Motion carries.

945
01:13:23,660 --> 01:13:25,920
Item number N6 is an expedited public hearing

946
01:13:25,920 --> 01:13:29,780
for case LDCT, 2026-12, Indian-like

947
01:13:29,780 --> 01:13:32,420
states, land development code, duplex and use

948
01:13:32,420 --> 01:13:33,440
table text change.

949
01:13:34,000 --> 01:13:36,180
And as previously mentioned, N6 is a

950
01:13:36,180 --> 01:13:37,600
companion item to N5.

951
01:13:38,020 --> 01:13:40,820
This is the change to the land development code text.

952
01:13:40,940 --> 01:13:42,760
This item also received unanimous

953
01:13:42,760 --> 01:13:45,360
recommendation from the Planning Commission

954
01:13:45,360 --> 01:13:47,460
as a land development code text amendment.

955
01:13:47,460 --> 01:13:52,660
this particular item was not subject to state review, but it is before you today and on second

956
01:13:52,660 --> 01:13:59,880
reading for adoption and staff recommends approval. Any questions for staff? Hearing none,

957
01:14:00,100 --> 01:14:04,020
I open it up for public hearing, Amber, do you have anyone for this one? No, ma'am. Okay,

958
01:14:04,040 --> 01:14:07,040
I close the public hearing and I bring it back to the board.

959
01:14:09,080 --> 01:14:10,780
Have a motion and a second,

960
01:14:10,800 --> 01:14:16,060
any questions discussion? Hearing none, all in favor? All right. Opposed, motion carries.

961
01:14:16,060 --> 01:14:26,760
Item number N7 is an expedited public hearing for case LDCPS-2026-8 Catling Government Center to consider

962
01:14:26,760 --> 01:14:31,980
a future land use map designation change from residential low to institutional on approximately

963
01:14:31,980 --> 01:14:40,060
29.62 acres. The subject site is in the Catling area the site of a future county government

964
01:14:40,060 --> 01:14:46,460
center. This is part of the greater effort of county government to decentralize services to the

965
01:14:46,460 --> 01:14:54,240
This request to change to institutional is consistent with the land development code in the comprehensive plan.

966
01:14:54,420 --> 01:14:59,980
Institutional is a land use that is designed to provide services to residents such as

967
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:06,480
Schools, government facilities, and churches. Therefore, it's deemed to be compatible with almost

968
01:15:06,480 --> 01:15:13,000
everything that surrounds it in particular with residential communities as the desires to put

969
01:15:13,000 --> 01:15:19,720
those community services near residential communities to allow the services to be accessible

970
01:15:19,720 --> 01:15:24,260
to residents. This item did appear before the Planning Commission and received unanimous

971
01:15:24,260 --> 01:15:29,840
recommendation of approval, and it is here today as a small scale comprehensive plan amendment

972
01:15:29,840 --> 01:15:35,660
It requires only one hearing, therefore today's hearing is an adoption hearing and staff recommends approval.

973
01:15:37,760 --> 01:15:38,760
Questions for staff?

974
01:15:39,560 --> 01:15:41,340
Haven't I opened up the public hearing?

975
01:15:41,560 --> 01:15:42,540
Amber, do we have anyone?

976
01:15:42,800 --> 01:15:44,120
Yes, ma'am, we do.

977
01:15:59,360 --> 01:16:00,520
Mr. Abba, come here.

978
01:16:31,800 --> 01:16:32,120
Good morning.

979
01:16:32,680 --> 01:16:34,040
Tamed Abba, come here for the record.

980
01:16:34,840 --> 01:16:37,060
The 2777 gives only Galilee Road.

981
01:16:38,280 --> 01:16:40,440
Now, what effect does this project have on me?

982
01:16:41,320 --> 01:16:42,740
I live on that side of the swamp.

983
01:16:42,740 --> 01:16:48,440
So everything you build across 98 on the West hand side builds up that swamp and floods my

984
01:16:48,440 --> 01:16:48,980
area.

985
01:16:49,320 --> 01:16:53,820
Gives it on and gives it on a yellow-weight road was flooded last night last big storm we had.

986
01:16:54,160 --> 01:16:55,140
The curve was flooded.

987
01:16:55,640 --> 01:16:57,160
People going around that curve was flooded.

988
01:16:58,820 --> 01:17:06,660
This is basically public records, but I'd like to explain to the public how Polk County

989
01:17:06,660 --> 01:17:09,360
is the fastest growing county in the country.

990
01:17:10,640 --> 01:17:20,860
that being that we had a public meeting, we had Mr. Scott had a public meeting. We had almost

991
01:17:20,860 --> 01:17:26,360
200 people there. I'm really discouraged that I'm here by myself today. It just really

992
01:17:26,360 --> 01:17:33,040
blows my mind, but I can understand why. Because we had that meeting. Three of the commission's

993
01:17:33,040 --> 01:17:40,620
refused to even come that could care less about what goes on out there. They're going to get

994
01:17:40,620 --> 01:17:49,500
and we know that. But we did. We tried to keep informed, we tried to be a part of the service.

995
01:17:50,600 --> 01:17:57,360
At that meeting, there was 39 of us to gave our address, or not our address, our email address,

996
01:17:57,740 --> 01:18:03,420
and our names wanting to be informed of everything going on. We never got any information

997
01:18:03,420 --> 01:18:08,460
you're not the meeting, of course, because there's a lot that sign on the property that's

998
01:18:08,460 --> 01:18:12,740
turned white and used to be orange when it's put out there. It's meant there's so long

999
01:18:12,740 --> 01:18:17,980
that you can't see what the sign says to start with. People did make the comments and

1000
01:18:17,980 --> 01:18:23,280
nobody wanted to hear them. All right, here's a lot of them right here. I brought them.

1001
01:18:23,640 --> 01:18:29,160
There was even suggestions. Nobody wanted to hear them. The county, the planning department

1002
01:18:29,160 --> 01:18:34,160
informed me of the day that there was no emails even sent to them.

1003
01:18:35,100 --> 01:18:36,600
No email sent to them, folks.

1004
01:18:37,000 --> 01:18:40,860
No, Michael Hurra, Michael Scott.

1005
01:18:41,440 --> 01:18:43,660
I've got one directly to you specifically.

1006
01:18:44,640 --> 01:18:47,940
Now, it's not our fault that you people can't communicate.

1007
01:18:48,900 --> 01:18:50,500
Nobody in this building can communicate.

1008
01:18:51,740 --> 01:18:53,420
Everybody should have known about these emails.

1009
01:18:53,680 --> 01:18:56,280
They should have known about the questions, suggestions,

1010
01:18:56,280 --> 01:19:00,000
This is not government, I don't know if you've ever seen these, I have no idea.

1011
01:19:01,080 --> 01:19:02,460
But they were in public record.

1012
01:19:04,340 --> 01:19:10,200
That's why I push public records because if I take this to court, which I'm liable to

1013
01:19:10,200 --> 01:19:13,140
do so, I need all the information I can get.

1014
01:19:13,920 --> 01:19:17,640
So I'm requesting right now as well, I want to see the whole program.

1015
01:19:18,120 --> 01:19:20,980
You just said at the beginning of the meeting that I could do that.

1016
01:19:20,980 --> 01:19:28,000
I want to see the entire program that they got, and I'll read, but 14 seconds left.

1017
01:19:29,700 --> 01:19:33,100
Madam Chair, so Mr. I've got me a request and a full presentation.

1018
01:19:35,200 --> 01:19:37,560
Mr. Zisco, you've already presented a full presentation.

1019
01:19:37,580 --> 01:19:42,380
Yes, I will call Eric Peterson, the case planner, to load and present the full case file.

1020
01:19:42,700 --> 01:19:45,680
That means all the information and everything to do with buying the property.

1021
01:19:45,840 --> 01:19:47,820
He's going to provide his full presentation.

1022
01:19:47,920 --> 01:19:51,880
I need a really good reason why we need that sooner.

1023
01:19:52,600 --> 01:19:56,720
Staffers on what's your force? Staffers on what's your father's presentation? Thank you, Mr. Harpercoming

1024
01:20:00,210 --> 01:20:06,830
Good morning, Eric Peterson, for the Land Development Division. This is our case in synopsis that

1025
01:20:06,830 --> 01:20:14,810
have been explained. Just a refresher on why we're here, the current county facility that's at

1026
01:20:14,810 --> 01:20:19,850
930 East Parker. It's too small, and our lease is expiring, so we need to find a new location for

1027
01:20:19,850 --> 01:20:29,330
it. So it's part of a decentralization of government services. We've got a number of

1028
01:20:30,530 --> 01:20:34,750
county courthouse annexes one that was just completed between

1029
01:20:34,750 --> 01:20:37,350
Hain City Lake Alfred and Lunar Haven.

1030
01:20:38,810 --> 01:20:43,670
You also saw a little bit about the one today that will be

1031
01:20:43,670 --> 01:20:46,690
located in the Lake Wales area.

1032
01:20:47,090 --> 01:20:51,130
There's the central facility where the sheriff's training

1033
01:20:51,130 --> 01:20:54,750
center is and this is the new and moving it from downtown Lake

1034
01:20:54,750 --> 01:20:57,370
Lynn Moore towards the center of the population that it serves.

1035
01:20:57,370 --> 01:21:00,430
in the North Lake Lanaria.

1036
01:21:03,020 --> 01:21:07,120
The site is around other government facilities.

1037
01:21:07,880 --> 01:21:12,300
We have a middle school and elementary school.

1038
01:21:12,840 --> 01:21:14,500
There's a county fire station.

1039
01:21:14,920 --> 01:21:17,740
And this is the site for the government center.

1040
01:21:21,970 --> 01:21:23,890
The fire station is here.

1041
01:21:24,130 --> 01:21:25,810
The elementary school here.

1042
01:21:26,130 --> 01:21:27,190
And here's our site.

1043
01:21:27,350 --> 01:21:29,490
You can see the area around it.

1044
01:21:29,490 --> 01:21:33,830
110 maillers were sent to area property owners, and we had no response.

1045
01:21:36,400 --> 01:21:40,620
The site has a lot of grading that needs to be done, so one of the things that will

1046
01:21:40,620 --> 01:21:45,840
be a mitigating factor in this is bringing down the height of the property to a standard

1047
01:21:45,840 --> 01:21:52,780
height that gives us the ability to expand the retention ponds and provide for more stormwater.

1048
01:21:52,880 --> 01:21:58,220
It was talked about in the public meetings that this would be converted to a type of park,

1049
01:21:58,220 --> 01:22:04,220
pedestrian facility, things of that nature, and that will be coming forth to you in the

1050
01:22:04,220 --> 01:22:10,560
design. It won't be quite as big as the Northeast Government Center, but for the impact analysis

1051
01:22:10,560 --> 01:22:18,380
we use the Northeast Government Center as a model for how much traffic and use of water

1052
01:22:18,380 --> 01:22:22,360
and sewer and things of that nature. We have more than adequate capacity to serve it all.

1053
01:22:23,420 --> 01:22:28,200
So with that, I'll conclude. It's efficient. It has good access, good connection to everything

1054
01:22:29,440 --> 01:22:35,300
This designation provides clarity so when people look at the land use in the area they see that this is going to be a government facility

1055
01:22:36,020 --> 01:22:40,300
and it in support of the residents around it.

1056
01:22:40,620 --> 01:22:45,640
This is the main reason for putting it out there is to serve the people in this area of the county.

1057
01:22:45,940 --> 01:22:47,000
With that, I'll stand for questions.

1058
01:22:48,000 --> 01:22:49,100
Any questions for staff?

1059
01:22:51,600 --> 01:22:54,400
Is there going to, will we have courtrooms in this one?

1060
01:22:55,300 --> 01:22:56,080
Yes, I hear that.

1061
01:22:56,080 --> 01:22:58,920
is a plan to have court court rooms there as well.

1062
01:22:59,100 --> 01:22:59,960
That's really two.

1063
01:22:59,980 --> 01:23:03,400
Two minimum possibly three and expansion to four.

1064
01:23:03,420 --> 01:23:05,560
I guess where I'm getting it is, why is it smaller?

1065
01:23:06,120 --> 01:23:08,760
What's not going to be there that Lake Alfred has?

1066
01:23:09,180 --> 01:23:11,980
We're not sure about the tax collectors.

1067
01:23:13,820 --> 01:23:15,720
He has a facility in downtown Atlanta.

1068
01:23:16,240 --> 01:23:20,120
So he may have a presence, but we think it may be a smaller scale.

1069
01:23:20,920 --> 01:23:22,160
Okay. All right. Thanks.

1070
01:23:23,260 --> 01:23:23,520
Commissioner.

1071
01:23:23,520 --> 01:23:24,280
I'm not sure.

1072
01:23:24,480 --> 01:23:24,840
It's gone.

1073
01:23:24,960 --> 01:23:28,380
Yeah, just wanted to add clarity as far as the going back to Mr.

1074
01:23:28,420 --> 01:23:29,240
Our Program is comment.

1075
01:23:29,640 --> 01:23:31,780
And then obviously, thank you for the reason for the summary.

1076
01:23:32,820 --> 01:23:38,100
The community meeting tunnel that we had, so all those comments were taken down and writing,

1077
01:23:38,760 --> 01:23:42,760
there was follow up on the ones that we needed clarity on.

1078
01:23:42,880 --> 01:23:46,260
So there's literally all those comments were logged.

1079
01:23:46,840 --> 01:23:51,600
And so I'm sure public record requests are going to have those as well, but we have been

1080
01:23:51,600 --> 01:23:55,020
very keen to understand what the concerns were of the community.

1081
01:23:55,520 --> 01:24:00,060
Again, this being a government center, when you look at the amount of developments occurred

1082
01:24:00,060 --> 01:24:05,720
over the last 15 to 20 years in North Lakeland, there are a lot of services that are lacking

1083
01:24:05,720 --> 01:24:10,200
and this being one of those when you look at what the residents need.

1084
01:24:11,020 --> 01:24:15,460
You know, it's either, I'd say it's either, I mean anything in an affinity land piece, but

1085
01:24:15,460 --> 01:24:19,760
to have this parcel be just another community development and still have no more government

1086
01:24:19,760 --> 01:24:26,020
services, you just, you continue to add to the problem of a lack of providing to the residents

1087
01:24:26,020 --> 01:24:27,560
alone, you know, in North Auckland.

1088
01:24:27,920 --> 01:24:32,640
So again, in our efforts, I'm on the subject, so I'm actually commenting for both the architect

1089
01:24:32,640 --> 01:24:35,380
engineer and for the construction manager at risk.

1090
01:24:35,600 --> 01:24:40,460
So my intent is to definitely have as much of a thumbprint on this project, the benefits

1091
01:24:40,460 --> 01:24:45,920
to community and to not just for not taking the Northeast government center and copying

1092
01:24:45,920 --> 01:24:48,620
and pasting it and making it look exactly the same.

1093
01:24:48,620 --> 01:24:59,980
and Kathleen, we are very aware of the aesthetics and of the additional functions of this needs to have to benefit the residents around it and not just be an 8 to 5 office that you go.

1094
01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:29,980
I want to thank everyone for their services, but something as passive elements as well. And we'll continue to do that. And, you know, if we have another community meeting to be determined, the last one was, you know, interesting meeting. I'm fine to hear any any in all comments. I can take that in a problem. But it's one of the things I want collaboration to help us come up with great solutions as a community. For me to have a town hall meeting and have nothing but statements of, you know, we hate this.

1095
01:25:30,000 --> 01:25:32,700
that doesn't get us anywhere to have a better community.

1096
01:25:32,860 --> 01:25:34,320
It's no different than if we have another different

1097
01:25:34,980 --> 01:25:36,860
specized, you know, this is about the government center,

1098
01:25:36,920 --> 01:25:39,180
but if we have another topic that we disagree on,

1099
01:25:39,280 --> 01:25:41,620
and all I can do is talk about how much we hate each other.

1100
01:25:41,780 --> 01:25:43,440
That doesn't really get us anywhere positive.

1101
01:25:44,000 --> 01:25:45,620
So I would just encourage those in the community.

1102
01:25:46,300 --> 01:25:48,540
If you have other comments, if you're watching this video now,

1103
01:25:48,560 --> 01:25:49,900
or if you're watching it later on,

1104
01:25:50,160 --> 01:25:52,160
please email my office, if you have more concerns,

1105
01:25:52,380 --> 01:25:53,780
we will certainly take those in the consideration.

1106
01:25:54,360 --> 01:25:55,020
Thank you.

1107
01:25:55,320 --> 01:25:56,540
Thank you, anybody else?

1108
01:25:57,500 --> 01:25:58,640
Okay, thank you.

1109
01:25:59,660 --> 01:26:05,320
We have, I believe, Mr. I have become, we have at least 15 more seconds of his time left.

1110
01:26:06,320 --> 01:26:09,940
Mr. I have become you have anything additional you want to do not 15 seconds.

1111
01:26:10,640 --> 01:26:16,680
Thank you Mr. Mook, I appreciate that. Mr. Scott, I don't see any numbers.

1112
01:26:17,000 --> 01:26:21,120
Show me some numbers. How often is people there, how much is the emphasis used?

1113
01:26:21,360 --> 01:26:26,020
What are they going to be in there? I need more answers of what is actually going to be there.

1114
01:26:26,020 --> 01:26:29,300
You stated that they had they did make a lot of comments

1115
01:26:29,300 --> 01:26:38,840
There was nothing in the public records. There was any other talk about it between any of you between any of the people out there. Nothing. Thank you. Thank you

1116
01:26:38,840 --> 01:26:39,740
Thank you

1117
01:26:40,480 --> 01:26:48,940
Okay, Amber, do we have anyone else for this? No, man. We do not. Okay, so then I close the public hearing and I bring it back to the board

1118
01:26:50,250 --> 01:26:51,050
Sorry

1119
01:26:51,050 --> 01:26:58,590
have a motion to for approval in a second any question discussion hearing none all in favor

1120
01:26:58,590 --> 01:27:06,070
oppose motion carries in Madam Chair the final item on the expedited portion of this

1121
01:27:06,070 --> 01:27:13,110
agenda item and eight is an expedited public hearing for case LDCT 2026-15 vehicle service

1122
01:27:13,110 --> 01:27:19,630
in RACX to consider a text amendment to the land development code which would allow vehicle

1123
01:27:19,630 --> 01:27:26,010
services mechanical as a C1 conditional use in the regional activity center districts of the

1124
01:27:26,010 --> 01:27:31,990
U.S. 27 selected area plan. I presented this two weeks ago on first reading and indicated

1125
01:27:31,990 --> 01:27:39,550
that vehicle service in this area, the selected area plan is the only area within the county

1126
01:27:39,550 --> 01:27:45,090
that restricts vehicle service everywhere else within the county and other selected area plans

1127
01:27:45,090 --> 01:27:49,250
allows vehicle services in the regional activity center. So again, this would put this district

1128
01:27:49,250 --> 01:27:51,390
on par with the rest of the county.

1129
01:27:51,870 --> 01:27:55,970
The US-27 selected area plan is a highly dense, highly active

1130
01:27:55,970 --> 01:27:57,470
selected area plan.

1131
01:27:57,910 --> 01:28:00,610
The Regional Activity Center is regional by nature,

1132
01:28:00,930 --> 01:28:03,410
and these types of uses do support visitors

1133
01:28:03,410 --> 01:28:07,810
and regional traffic that comes to the US-27 selected area plan.

1134
01:28:08,410 --> 01:28:12,910
The C1 designation versus a permitted use.

1135
01:28:13,110 --> 01:28:15,770
The C1 will implement conditions most notably

1136
01:28:15,770 --> 01:28:17,970
that all activity will be conducted

1137
01:28:17,970 --> 01:28:24,110
inside the building for any vehicle repair. This is the adoption hearing. So following any questions

1138
01:28:24,110 --> 01:28:29,150
are common staff recommends approval. Any questions for staff? Yes. Commissioner Brasswell.

1139
01:28:29,950 --> 01:28:38,130
I've got a question about a phone call I had from a guy. And I guess maybe California or someone

1140
01:28:38,130 --> 01:28:47,390
like that, they're starting to have like this a Jiffy Loop with a 711 with a car wash. It's all one

1141
01:28:47,970 --> 01:28:55,790
thing. And he said they're gaining popularity. Do we have a land use that would cover

1142
01:28:55,790 --> 01:28:59,450
all that? How would we handle something like that?

1143
01:28:59,810 --> 01:29:03,550
And this and kind of anything to do with this case in particular, but I'm just curious how

1144
01:29:03,550 --> 01:29:04,410
we would handle it.

1145
01:29:04,630 --> 01:29:08,610
I think what we would do is we would look at, over those three, the convenient store, the

1146
01:29:08,610 --> 01:29:13,710
car wash, and the vehicle service, which is the most restrictive use. And it would most

1147
01:29:13,710 --> 01:29:17,590
likely follow that approval process for the most restrictive of those three, but I have

1148
01:29:17,590 --> 01:29:23,510
cross-reference if those all those uses are on par with the same. Right, right. But

1149
01:29:23,510 --> 01:29:27,870
but typically what we would do if there's multiple uses is we would go with the more

1150
01:29:27,870 --> 01:29:32,670
restrictive use and that would go through the the review process. All right, thanks.

1151
01:29:33,630 --> 01:29:39,290
Any other question for staff? Hearing none, Amber, do we have anyone for this one? No, ma'am. Okay,

1152
01:29:39,390 --> 01:29:44,670
so I closed the open it and closed the public hearing and I bring it back to the board.

1153
01:29:46,920 --> 01:29:54,760
have a motion in a second, any questions, discussions, hearing none, all in favor, opposed motion carries.

1154
01:29:54,960 --> 01:29:58,840
Madam Chair, that concludes the expedited portion of the public hearings.

1155
01:29:59,080 --> 01:29:59,980
Now I believe I turn it over to Mr.

1156
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:01,620
Mr. Lowry for the regular hearings.

1157
01:30:10,380 --> 01:30:13,240
Good morning. For the record-scout, Larry Real Estate Services Director.

1158
01:30:13,720 --> 01:30:20,320
I have two items this morning. The first staff is requesting the board by its own motion vacate

1159
01:30:20,320 --> 01:30:26,040
a plated drainage easement, as shown in the plata cypress point, record-implat but 63 at page 40.

1160
01:30:26,720 --> 01:30:32,260
The county recently completed a drainage improvement project on cypress point each east, which consisted

1161
01:30:32,260 --> 01:30:37,120
of the construction of a new drainage pipeline running north from an inlet located within the

1162
01:30:37,120 --> 01:30:43,500
to Lake Eloys, the new pipeline replaced an older pipeline that was damaged, not functioning

1163
01:30:43,500 --> 01:30:48,280
properly and undersized, which ran from the Colossack eastward, and it's in this red

1164
01:30:48,280 --> 01:30:55,200
area shown on the screen, towards a canal which also drains to the lake. Due to the flat

1165
01:30:55,200 --> 01:30:59,080
of drainage easement, it was so narrow, it was only five feet wide, and situated in such

1166
01:30:59,080 --> 01:31:03,660
close proximity to existing residences on both sides, it could not be utilized for the project.

1167
01:31:04,540 --> 01:31:07,200
and we got easements from the property owners to the north.

1168
01:31:08,200 --> 01:31:12,060
The Platypublic drainage easement, which has located over a lot's 40 and 41 of the

1169
01:31:12,060 --> 01:31:16,560
plat is not suitable for any drainage used by the county based on its size and location,

1170
01:31:17,060 --> 01:31:21,960
and it has requested that the platypublic drainage easement be vacated to remove the encroachment

1171
01:31:22,480 --> 01:31:24,560
and the encumberment of the easement over the lots.

1172
01:31:25,220 --> 01:31:28,720
Vacating the platypublic drainage easement will remove the encumberment of the easement

1173
01:31:28,720 --> 01:31:32,360
and allow the property owners to fully utilize the area in conjunction with their properties.

1174
01:31:32,360 --> 01:31:37,440
The county's rows and drainage division staff and the county engineer reviewed the request and have no objections.

1175
01:31:38,340 --> 01:31:46,540
Staff recommends the board adopt a resolution to vacate the plated drainage easement as more fully described in the legal description contained in the resolution.

1176
01:31:47,140 --> 01:31:48,460
And I'll arrange standing for any questions.

1177
01:31:51,350 --> 01:31:52,570
Any questions for staff?

1178
01:31:53,410 --> 01:31:54,410
Okay hearing none.

1179
01:31:55,230 --> 01:31:56,750
I opened it up for public hearing.

1180
01:31:56,830 --> 01:31:57,970
Amber, do we have anyone?

1181
01:31:58,250 --> 01:31:59,250
Not for this one, ma'am.

1182
01:31:59,650 --> 01:32:00,090
Okay, thank you.

1183
01:32:00,210 --> 01:32:03,050
We close the public hearing and bring it back to the board.

1184
01:32:03,050 --> 01:32:04,070
Thank you.

1185
01:32:04,570 --> 01:32:05,390
Thank you.

1186
01:32:05,390 --> 01:32:06,910
Have a motion in a second.

1187
01:32:07,290 --> 01:32:07,630
Any questions?

1188
01:32:08,050 --> 01:32:08,530
Discussion?

1189
01:32:08,990 --> 01:32:09,390
Hearing none?

1190
01:32:09,510 --> 01:32:10,310
All in favor?

1191
01:32:10,710 --> 01:32:11,310
Opposed?

1192
01:32:11,830 --> 01:32:12,330
Motion carries.

1193
01:32:13,930 --> 01:32:18,090
For the next time, the county received a petition from Bart Allen as authorized agent for

1194
01:32:18,090 --> 01:32:25,410
1917 development LLC to vacate a portion of deeded and maintained right away for spring road and the Auburndale area.

1195
01:32:26,230 --> 01:32:32,170
Spring road was, until recently, a county maintained roadway running from Braddock Road and Northward to a dead end.

1196
01:32:32,170 --> 01:32:36,230
There are out-of-way for spring road consists of Radaway conveyed to the county in a

1197
01:32:36,230 --> 01:32:43,290
1945 deed recorded in deedbook 75 that page 311 along with a maintained Radaway map recorded in

1198
01:32:43,980 --> 01:32:49,250
1973, excuse me, and mapbook 2 at pages 273 and 274.

1199
01:32:49,570 --> 01:32:55,470
Additional Radaway for the roadway near its intersection with Braddock Road was conveyed to the county by the state of Florida,

1200
01:32:55,530 --> 01:32:58,950
basically in conjunction with the Pope Parkway in 2005.

1201
01:32:58,950 --> 01:33:06,270
Spring Road was recently severed in conjunction with improvements to the Polk Parkway, which included a new interchange at Braddock Road.

1202
01:33:06,870 --> 01:33:12,130
The road away by six portions of the petitioner's property and they're requested the vacation to remove the vification.

1203
01:33:12,990 --> 01:33:14,950
And prepare the property for development or sale.

1204
01:33:15,550 --> 01:33:23,150
Additionally, it was determined that the maintained road away extended northerly and to properly owned by the state of Florida as part of its sun tracks facility.

1205
01:33:23,150 --> 01:33:25,790
You can see that here on the screen is going into the existing facility.

1206
01:33:26,450 --> 01:33:29,930
No evidence could be found that this portion of the right away was previously vacated

1207
01:33:29,930 --> 01:33:33,350
as to county staff of assets that had been included in the vacations as well.

1208
01:33:33,750 --> 01:33:37,990
After the petition was filed, the petitioners property was sold to the term pike to be utilized

1209
01:33:37,990 --> 01:33:41,330
in conjunction with the SunTracks facility, future expansion project.

1210
01:33:42,150 --> 01:33:46,110
Term pike was aware of the petition prior to the purchase and has provided consent along

1211
01:33:46,110 --> 01:33:48,530
with continued assistance in this process.

1212
01:33:49,150 --> 01:33:52,250
They came the subject right away where we removed the public's interest, which will remove

1213
01:33:52,250 --> 01:33:56,230
the bifurcations and allow the term pipe to fully utilize its property.

1214
01:33:57,010 --> 01:34:01,510
The appropriate kind of visions and utilities were notified and have no objection to the vacation.

1215
01:34:02,050 --> 01:34:08,250
Gulf Stream Natural Gas did request an easement for existing facilities which cross on this general area.

1216
01:34:08,730 --> 01:34:12,370
And term pipe has been actively working with them to fill that request.

1217
01:34:13,050 --> 01:34:17,950
Staff remains the board adopted the resolution to vacate and close the portion of

1218
01:34:17,950 --> 01:34:22,270
needed a maintained right away for spring road as fully described in the legal description

1219
01:34:22,270 --> 01:34:26,770
contained in the petition and the resolution and our main standing for any questions.

1220
01:34:26,910 --> 01:34:28,230
Any questions for staff?

1221
01:34:28,670 --> 01:34:29,570
Commissioner Scott.

1222
01:34:29,930 --> 01:34:34,870
As far as the one that this is approved today and it's vacated, as far as the demolition

1223
01:34:34,870 --> 01:34:37,730
of the roadway and all that, that's up to the property owner there's nothing the county

1224
01:34:37,730 --> 01:34:39,290
has obligation to do.

1225
01:34:39,290 --> 01:34:39,550
Correct.

1226
01:34:39,690 --> 01:34:41,050
Now we've made no agreements to do.

1227
01:34:41,170 --> 01:34:42,230
They would be on them.

1228
01:34:42,330 --> 01:34:42,530
Very good.

1229
01:34:42,530 --> 01:34:43,530
Thank you.

1230
01:34:43,810 --> 01:34:44,690
Any other questions?

1231
01:34:45,190 --> 01:34:49,890
Okay, here we know I open the public hearing number. Do we have anyone not for this one man?

1232
01:34:50,170 --> 01:34:53,770
Thank you. We close the public hearing and bring it back to the board.

1233
01:34:53,930 --> 01:34:54,750
Motion for approval.

1234
01:34:55,370 --> 01:34:57,810
Have a motion and a second. Any questions?

1235
01:34:58,250 --> 01:34:59,970
Discussion? Hearing none? All in.

1236
01:35:00,000 --> 01:35:08,000
Any favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Item 03 is consider adoption of the ordinance of the Pope County Board,

1237
01:35:08,100 --> 01:35:12,760
a kind of commission sent out of the Pope County property maintenance ordinance as the board is aware.

1238
01:35:13,220 --> 01:35:18,080
This is actually amending a 2008 ordinance to clean up some language.

1239
01:35:18,520 --> 01:35:25,440
It's the ordinance that code enforcement uses to crack code violations if the property owner fails to do so.

1240
01:35:25,440 --> 01:35:29,020
through that process. The property owners are given notice. They're given an opportunity to

1241
01:35:29,020 --> 01:35:33,360
peel it to a special mastery. And once that occurs, if they are, they don't peel it,

1242
01:35:34,120 --> 01:35:38,320
then the code enforcement will go out and bait the violation and then the causes,

1243
01:35:38,420 --> 01:35:43,120
the sesicin, the property. So this is clean up some language that also makes it clear that

1244
01:35:43,660 --> 01:35:48,840
the property owner's own local road is responsible for maintaining the property up to the

1245
01:35:48,840 --> 01:35:54,260
edge of pavement. It also creates a process to allow code enforcement or allows the county to

1246
01:35:54,260 --> 01:35:59,300
bank violations for individuals who fail to maintain their drainage easements.

1247
01:35:59,440 --> 01:36:04,200
That's on their property, their private drainage easements, and if they don't crack those

1248
01:36:04,200 --> 01:36:09,420
violations in the county can maintain those private drainage easements or make the necessary

1249
01:36:09,420 --> 01:36:13,500
change our maintenance to it, and the charge that costs back to the property owners,

1250
01:36:14,100 --> 01:36:19,860
that helps out in that that helps out clearest to drainage and for the upstream property

1251
01:36:19,860 --> 01:36:20,500
owners and stuff.

1252
01:36:20,500 --> 01:36:25,500
So, it's a recommended for the board to approve this at this time and I'll say for any questions.

1253
01:36:26,180 --> 01:36:28,420
Any questions for the attorney?

1254
01:36:29,220 --> 01:36:32,100
Hearing none, I'll open out for public hearing number.

1255
01:36:32,840 --> 01:36:33,340
Yes, ma'am.

1256
01:36:33,460 --> 01:36:34,040
We have two.

1257
01:36:46,510 --> 01:36:47,250
Thank you.

1258
01:36:49,690 --> 01:36:52,710
And the first one we have is Kyle Roy.

1259
01:36:54,880 --> 01:36:56,360
You come on up here.

1260
01:37:02,050 --> 01:37:04,830
Kyle, stay your name and your address and you have three minutes.

1261
01:37:05,990 --> 01:37:09,030
Before I start, could I ask if you could

1262
01:37:09,030 --> 01:37:11,710
and put a paper that I have up on the screen.

1263
01:37:12,050 --> 01:37:12,550
Yes, Katie.

1264
01:37:35,140 --> 01:37:38,000
My name is Kyle Wright, and I live at 102

1265
01:37:38,000 --> 01:37:40,300
Valencia Street, Winter Haven, Florida.

1266
01:37:42,180 --> 01:37:45,980
And I'm speaking today to give my opinion

1267
01:37:45,980 --> 01:37:47,800
on this ordinance.

1268
01:37:48,800 --> 01:37:54,540
So first of all, I like that the provisions for the rights

1269
01:37:54,540 --> 01:37:57,740
of way and drainage easements are made explicit.

1270
01:37:57,740 --> 01:38:14,200
And I like that the code enforcement process is defined and the is explicitly defined in the ordinance so we can read it and we can know what the process is before without having to like watch the magistrate meetings to figure out what it is.

1271
01:38:14,500 --> 01:38:24,040
In general I like it when rules are clearly defined and that's why I have a small problem with the definition for prohibited overgrowth.

1272
01:38:26,080 --> 01:38:36,340
So in the start of the provision, you can see that it explicitly calls out grasses and annual

1273
01:38:36,340 --> 01:38:43,220
plants and it gives an exception for wooded plants that are part of intentional landscaping.

1274
01:38:44,280 --> 01:38:49,380
And I think that is a problem because I do have some grasses that I would like to grow over

1275
01:38:49,380 --> 01:38:56,220
18 inches. You may have heard of them. They are barley, corn, goat grass, millet,

1276
01:38:56,660 --> 01:39:02,580
sorghum, and wheat. These are all grasses, and I'm interested in growing them eventually.

1277
01:39:03,080 --> 01:39:08,360
So I wouldn't want to, you know, be forced to cut them down to 18 inches because that would kill them.

1278
01:39:09,540 --> 01:39:13,840
And I also have some annual plants that I would like to grow above 18 inches.

1279
01:39:14,720 --> 01:39:26,380
Such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, watermelon, peas, beans, squash, eggplant, basil, mint, thyme, cilantro, ginger, peppers, sunflowers, and American grown-up.

1280
01:39:27,620 --> 01:39:39,360
I know what you're thinking, as long as they're not uncapped, it's fine, but I respectfully disagree, because the word uncapped is a subjective term.

1281
01:39:39,360 --> 01:39:53,360
And the last time I checked, this is a county government not in HOA, and I would appreciate it if we kept our rules based on matters of fact and not matters of opinion.

1282
01:39:55,320 --> 01:39:59,980
With that being said, here's my recommendation for a edit to you.

1283
01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:07,820
Do this provision. On general areas of the law, excluding those areas covered above any dead or living

1284
01:40:07,820 --> 01:40:13,740
plant life that has grown to exceed 18 inches in height and is not a part of intentional landscaping

1285
01:40:13,740 --> 01:40:14,860
or poses a hazard.

1286
01:40:17,580 --> 01:40:21,940
As you can see, this version is unambiguous and easy to read, exactly what

1287
01:40:21,940 --> 01:40:25,600
I'd like to see. I hope you agree. Thanks for listening to me.

1288
01:40:27,720 --> 01:40:28,200
Thank

1289
01:40:31,430 --> 01:40:37,910
you, Attorney Randy, I don't know if you have any comments on this or not this time.

1290
01:40:37,910 --> 01:40:38,630
At this time.

1291
01:40:39,690 --> 01:40:40,830
Thank you.

1292
01:40:42,050 --> 01:40:44,090
Next, we have Abba Company.

1293
01:40:48,630 --> 01:40:49,410
I want to share that.

1294
01:40:49,790 --> 01:40:51,430
I want to share what that was about.

1295
01:40:51,870 --> 01:40:52,850
I agree with him.

1296
01:40:53,090 --> 01:40:55,130
I think they need to be explicit.

1297
01:40:57,670 --> 01:40:58,150
Okay.

1298
01:40:58,770 --> 01:40:59,790
No one else, Amber?

1299
01:41:01,110 --> 01:41:01,910
No, we do not.

1300
01:41:02,010 --> 01:41:04,890
So we close public hearing and bring it back to the board.

1301
01:41:09,200 --> 01:41:13,380
Randy, I mean, he makes a lot of sense.

1302
01:41:13,740 --> 01:41:14,780
Yeah, I read both.

1303
01:41:14,860 --> 01:41:16,620
I don't necessarily see the difference.

1304
01:41:17,120 --> 01:41:20,100
I think the plant, I could see where we're not,

1305
01:41:20,260 --> 01:41:23,720
I've never seen where we ordered and went cut down to

1306
01:41:23,720 --> 01:41:24,240
Mado plants.

1307
01:41:24,320 --> 01:41:24,800
Right, right.

1308
01:41:24,900 --> 01:41:26,400
I mean, the attentional.

1309
01:41:26,400 --> 01:41:26,620
I mean, the attentional.

1310
01:41:26,620 --> 01:41:28,160
Never the attentional of it.

1311
01:41:28,500 --> 01:41:33,300
So if we want to clarify that cut garden plants,

1312
01:41:33,440 --> 01:41:37,240
I'm trying to figure out, can we just take two weeks

1313
01:41:37,240 --> 01:41:38,980
figure this out and bring it back.

1314
01:41:39,220 --> 01:41:39,640
We can.

1315
01:41:40,600 --> 01:41:42,760
I don't have no issues with that.

1316
01:41:42,760 --> 01:41:46,120
Yeah, I mean, like I said, everything he said makes sense.

1317
01:41:46,120 --> 01:41:47,560
Yeah, I'm reading that.

1318
01:41:47,920 --> 01:41:50,320
I don't see the difference, but there is, obviously.

1319
01:41:50,840 --> 01:41:53,340
So let's, let's, what do you need a motion to just

1320
01:41:53,340 --> 01:41:57,600
motion to continue this to the September first of the next

1321
01:41:57,600 --> 01:41:59,100
week, if I'm not mistaken.

1322
01:41:59,160 --> 01:41:59,900
So I'm a rock.

1323
01:42:00,420 --> 01:42:01,660
Not a, not a clock.

1324
01:42:02,260 --> 01:42:06,920
So I'm a, so I have a motion and a second to continue this

1325
01:42:06,920 --> 01:42:11,440
is on September 1st. Any questions or discussion on that?

1326
01:42:11,540 --> 01:42:13,500
And it's September 1st at 9 o'clock, don't you?

1327
01:42:13,940 --> 01:42:17,780
Okay. Any questions or discussion on that?

1328
01:42:17,980 --> 01:42:18,360
Yes, Commissioner?

1329
01:42:18,620 --> 01:42:20,700
Yeah, I just want to thank the President for bringing the clarity.

1330
01:42:20,900 --> 01:42:23,320
And again, that's part of how we're governed is to have their inputs.

1331
01:42:23,460 --> 01:42:24,100
So thank you for that.

1332
01:42:24,460 --> 01:42:27,700
Thank you. Any other questions?

1333
01:42:27,920 --> 01:42:29,000
Or anything like that? Okay.

1334
01:42:29,400 --> 01:42:30,540
Hearing none, all in favor?

1335
01:42:30,700 --> 01:42:30,980
Aye.

1336
01:42:31,560 --> 01:42:32,860
Opposed, motion carries.

1337
01:42:32,860 --> 01:42:37,340
So we will continue this in September and we look at this.

1338
01:42:38,000 --> 01:42:39,580
Thank you.

1339
01:42:39,820 --> 01:42:40,120
Okay.

1340
01:42:40,620 --> 01:42:43,020
And I think I did close the public hearing.

1341
01:42:43,400 --> 01:42:45,000
I want to make sure I did do that.

1342
01:42:45,460 --> 01:42:45,480
Okay.

1343
01:42:45,520 --> 01:42:46,480
Thank you.

1344
01:42:46,700 --> 01:42:46,880
All right.

1345
01:42:46,960 --> 01:42:50,000
Now we will go on to the general public audience.

1346
01:42:50,560 --> 01:42:52,220
Opportunity be held.

1347
01:42:52,540 --> 01:42:53,620
Do we have any?

1348
01:42:53,620 --> 01:42:54,160
Yes, ma'am.

1349
01:42:54,360 --> 01:42:55,040
We do.

1350
01:43:06,380 --> 01:43:06,900
Thank you.

1351
01:43:09,320 --> 01:43:09,580
Okay.

1352
01:43:09,700 --> 01:43:12,200
We will start with Kevin Noble.

1353
01:43:16,980 --> 01:43:17,380
Good morning.

1354
01:43:17,380 --> 01:43:23,480
commissioners, my name is Ken Chinoval, 112345, Outerus Lebroude in Barteth, Florida.

1355
01:43:24,220 --> 01:43:27,540
Can I see if his maybe get closer to the Microsoft?

1356
01:43:30,060 --> 01:43:36,140
I'm sorry, my name is Ken Chinoval, and I live at 2345, Outerus Lebroude in Barteth, Florida.

1357
01:43:37,980 --> 01:43:41,940
Okay, I'm speaking after the day is because I'm seriously exceeding it all like

1358
01:43:41,940 --> 01:43:48,140
road, I've seen, it says that my driver, I'm at Christmas night, we've seen how bad

1359
01:43:48,140 --> 01:43:56,220
that it gets. It gets that that's the third, third, my truck entrance and it gets

1360
01:43:56,220 --> 01:44:02,560
that up every day and that I'm, and I feel that I'm, that I need to, it needs to turn

1361
01:44:02,560 --> 01:44:09,220
signal both sides do and that curb, the first curb, there was a one accident there.

1362
01:44:09,220 --> 01:44:13,260
That was the one that that me and the night me in Chris and I had

1363
01:44:14,920 --> 01:44:18,520
Says I don't want nobody else to have an Iraq's or around the road

1364
01:44:20,220 --> 01:44:21,260
That um

1365
01:44:21,260 --> 01:44:26,100
Says that that curb is so bad. It that um, it's so sharp and

1366
01:44:27,140 --> 01:44:29,220
And I feel that maybe maybe

1367
01:44:30,040 --> 01:44:33,720
The speed on the curb can be reduced for say the reasons

1368
01:44:36,080 --> 01:44:40,120
Yep, yeah, and I use that me and we use that road every day

1369
01:44:40,920 --> 01:44:50,920
and it's so bad that we don't only want to have the accident there and we are lucky.

1370
01:44:53,140 --> 01:44:59,960
Yeah, so both sides of the intersection, they do need turn signals and we don't want the...

1371
01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:06,180
We don't want the airspace to get back to the cell, so we could try to re-options, but

1372
01:45:06,180 --> 01:45:14,180
turn lane on out on old language roads to a 60-foot turn lane there, or arrow, or a flag with

1373
01:45:14,180 --> 01:45:21,340
altars road hazard, arrow markings, and in that way there would be no confusion. And that way,

1374
01:45:21,460 --> 01:45:26,400
we don't have to make host calls. This says that when a car turns left, there's good

1375
01:45:26,400 --> 01:45:29,120
chance that they're going to hit somebody else.

1376
01:45:29,400 --> 01:45:32,580
They don't pay attention and they're going to turn up on somebody in

1377
01:45:32,580 --> 01:45:35,120
hit them and we don't want that.

1378
01:45:35,700 --> 01:45:38,480
We don't want, we don't want no more calls calls.

1379
01:45:38,740 --> 01:45:39,580
I'm sure you agree.

1380
01:45:39,880 --> 01:45:47,480
And Chris, when I would agree with me, so if you have a chance to

1381
01:45:47,480 --> 01:45:51,360
harden and it proves that it improves all the old

1382
01:45:51,360 --> 01:46:00,400
those roadings, there was 60, put a turn lane there, or Aaron Markins, and approved that curb.

1383
01:46:01,440 --> 01:46:06,760
Yeah, at the old-legal road, if you don't approve that curb, and make it safer for everybody.

1384
01:46:08,320 --> 01:46:13,760
I would have, I appreciate it very much, and my daughter, Chris, and I would appreciate too.

1385
01:46:14,900 --> 01:46:18,000
So, so take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it down, Liz.

1386
01:46:18,000 --> 01:46:22,190
Thank you.

1387
01:46:22,210 --> 01:46:23,630
Maybe we could look into that as well.

1388
01:46:23,630 --> 01:46:24,930
Yes, we take that under advisement.

1389
01:46:25,410 --> 01:46:28,510
Yes, and provide us some updates.

1390
01:46:30,630 --> 01:46:30,770
Okay.

1391
01:46:30,950 --> 01:46:32,030
Thank you.

1392
01:46:32,730 --> 01:46:34,310
Next is Kay Bork.

1393
01:46:43,260 --> 01:46:44,300
Good morning, commissioners.

1394
01:46:44,400 --> 01:46:45,240
My name is Kay Bork.

1395
01:46:45,440 --> 01:46:48,180
I'm 1133 Brook Road in Fort Mead.

1396
01:46:48,840 --> 01:46:51,020
Well, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to speak.

1397
01:46:51,460 --> 01:46:54,620
And for the work behind the scenes to address some of the issues that we've been

1398
01:46:54,620 --> 01:46:59,280
and fallward over the past year. Appreciate that very much. Today, I want to talk about the

1399
01:46:59,280 --> 01:47:04,780
importance of Spaneter and what prevention matters when the system's already overwhelmed. People

1400
01:47:04,780 --> 01:47:10,480
say that Spaneter won't fix everything and it won't. But that's okay. We've got to start somewhere.

1401
01:47:11,640 --> 01:47:16,840
Spaneter will not stop backyard breeders. It won't rewrite animal laws. It won't magically

1402
01:47:16,840 --> 01:47:23,280
create more adopters or more rescues or bigger shelter rescue budgets. But here's what it does do.

1403
01:47:23,280 --> 01:47:27,060
It gives a rest of the system a chance to catch up.

1404
01:47:27,660 --> 01:47:32,500
Imagine trying to empty a bathtub with a clogged drain while the faucet's still running.

1405
01:47:33,620 --> 01:47:35,860
You can grab a bucket to start bailing the water out.

1406
01:47:36,300 --> 01:47:38,160
You can work faster or grab a bigger bucket.

1407
01:47:38,820 --> 01:47:41,060
You can ask 10 friends to come help you bail.

1408
01:47:41,780 --> 01:47:45,720
But realistically, unless somebody turns the water off, you're fighting a losing battle.

1409
01:47:46,440 --> 01:47:47,880
That's where prevention comes in.

1410
01:47:48,720 --> 01:47:52,300
Every cat or dog prevented from being born into an already overwhelmed system

1411
01:47:52,300 --> 01:47:54,880
is one less animal competing for home,

1412
01:47:55,640 --> 01:47:58,000
one less animal needing shelter are waiting for a rescue,

1413
01:47:59,020 --> 01:48:02,040
one less animal in the street creating a public health issue,

1414
01:48:02,380 --> 01:48:04,800
one less animal adding to the workload of veterinarians,

1415
01:48:05,140 --> 01:48:07,620
animal control offices, shelter, rescues and volunteers.

1416
01:48:08,700 --> 01:48:10,820
Prevention does not erase the crisis,

1417
01:48:10,960 --> 01:48:12,560
but it does slow the flow.

1418
01:48:13,460 --> 01:48:15,480
And sometimes slow in the flow is exactly

1419
01:48:15,480 --> 01:48:17,920
what gives the rest of the system a chance to breathe.

1420
01:48:18,500 --> 01:48:21,580
The adopters, the fosters, the shelters, the veterinarians.

1421
01:48:21,580 --> 01:48:27,260
The rescue groups, the animal control officers, they're all trying to manage what's already here.

1422
01:48:28,000 --> 01:48:33,060
Prevention is how we start reducing what comes next because we can keep grabbing bigger buckets.

1423
01:48:33,860 --> 01:48:35,020
We can keep working faster.

1424
01:48:35,940 --> 01:48:37,640
We can keep asking more people to help.

1425
01:48:37,960 --> 01:48:40,120
But at some point in time, we've got to turn off the flow.

1426
01:48:41,240 --> 01:48:45,340
Now, I'm not here to ask you guys to put county money toward this.

1427
01:48:45,340 --> 01:48:50,120
because I recognize Mr. Braswell, I actually viewed the text,

1428
01:48:50,120 --> 01:48:54,260
I mean the revenue meetings on Friday and her drip proposal,

1429
01:48:54,260 --> 01:48:55,540
which I think is pretty cool.

1430
01:48:56,480 --> 01:49:00,740
But I realize the questions that are there on our minds

1431
01:49:00,740 --> 01:49:05,960
about County Revenue, but there are small pockets of volunteers,

1432
01:49:06,100 --> 01:49:08,540
non-profits working to develop Spaniard and Programs

1433
01:49:08,540 --> 01:49:10,100
in Pope County today.

1434
01:49:10,540 --> 01:49:11,980
They're based on donations and grants,

1435
01:49:12,000 --> 01:49:13,220
and they're fueled by volunteers.

1436
01:49:14,140 --> 01:49:19,000
So I want to encourage all who can to support these programs and when possible, use the

1437
01:49:19,000 --> 01:49:21,140
influence to call attention to these programs.

1438
01:49:22,160 --> 01:49:26,360
Spay neuter may not pull at the heartstrings, and as a result may not bring in as many

1439
01:49:26,360 --> 01:49:31,640
donations as a sick parvo puppy, but the only way to slow the flow is to support prevention.

1440
01:49:32,380 --> 01:49:36,400
And had the parvo puppy's mama been spayed, there would have been no parvo puppy.

1441
01:49:37,240 --> 01:49:42,980
So I encourage us all, county people, commissioners, everybody that's hearing this today.

1442
01:49:42,980 --> 01:49:47,980
support these local groups that are trying to get the Spainood or process started.

1443
01:49:48,440 --> 01:49:52,340
And hopefully one day we'll be as good as to keep Polk County beautiful program.

1444
01:49:54,680 --> 01:49:56,220
Thank you, Kay.

1445
01:49:57,160 --> 01:49:58,700
Next we have David Butler.

1446
01:50:06,740 --> 01:50:09,600
Good morning. David Butler, my address is exact.

1447
01:50:12,370 --> 01:50:37,510
I didn't see the presentation as we talked about with Mr. Brasswell, some options or whatever for the new budget, but he did propose a one-cent sales tax. That's probably a pretty good option because of everybody participating tax program. However, I haven't seen a list and it may be in that presentation, she just spoke of. If anything, if you decided to do away with, they could say the tax payer's money, is there a list out there? If any programs you all think could shave a few dollars off?

1448
01:50:38,690 --> 01:50:39,990
This is your time.

1449
01:50:39,990 --> 01:50:41,450
I don't think Tom seems to be able to do that.

1450
01:50:41,850 --> 01:50:43,030
Yeah, I'm not asking for questions about that.

1451
01:50:43,030 --> 01:50:43,510
Yes, ma'am.

1452
01:50:43,890 --> 01:50:43,890
Actually,

1453
01:50:45,930 --> 01:50:47,470
but I haven't seen anything like that

1454
01:50:47,470 --> 01:50:48,910
where you've gone through the programs and said,

1455
01:50:49,070 --> 01:50:49,950
you know what?

1456
01:50:49,950 --> 01:50:50,950
This program isn't working.

1457
01:50:50,950 --> 01:50:51,970
Let's do away with this program.

1458
01:50:52,190 --> 01:50:53,570
Let's say the taxpayer is the one who's on this program.

1459
01:50:55,290 --> 01:50:57,290
The share's been a too much money on an airplane.

1460
01:50:58,190 --> 01:50:59,770
Let's sell that airplane and get a cheaper one.

1461
01:50:59,990 --> 01:51:00,410
It's out there.

1462
01:51:00,410 --> 01:51:02,130
You know what's about to deal?

1463
01:51:02,710 --> 01:51:03,890
This deputy's up here this morning.

1464
01:51:05,310 --> 01:51:08,670
She was one of my, well, I told her,

1465
01:51:08,670 --> 01:51:11,110
I don't know how long, I don't know a long time.

1466
01:51:12,010 --> 01:51:14,910
That deputy does not get paid any extra money at home or doesn't run that dog.

1467
01:51:15,590 --> 01:51:17,010
She doesn't get paid overtime for training.

1468
01:51:18,390 --> 01:51:18,890
You know what she does?

1469
01:51:18,970 --> 01:51:20,310
She gets extra hour off.

1470
01:51:21,910 --> 01:51:22,490
Is that fair?

1471
01:51:22,790 --> 01:51:24,250
They're walking the gunfire.

1472
01:51:24,650 --> 01:51:29,610
Take rounds out to you and have to do way or have to do without overtime while you fly around

1473
01:51:29,610 --> 01:51:32,650
on a three million dollar airplane instead of driving like everybody else has to.

1474
01:51:33,570 --> 01:51:34,750
It's not right.

1475
01:51:36,390 --> 01:51:38,250
Mr. Wilson asked you, today's election day.

1476
01:51:38,250 --> 01:51:44,270
As you last week, if you come up with eight things that you've done throughout your time, is that list available anywhere?

1477
01:51:44,750 --> 01:51:46,210
Are those that you're not going to expect?

1478
01:51:49,940 --> 01:51:50,700
Tell my ordinances.

1479
01:51:54,940 --> 01:51:58,760
Ms. Trautman, a while back, was very proud and rightfully so.

1480
01:51:58,980 --> 01:52:03,460
But in order to job past for the advertising signs and intersections.

1481
01:52:04,740 --> 01:52:05,360
You're incorrect.

1482
01:52:06,180 --> 01:52:07,280
You weren't proud of that ordinance?

1483
01:52:09,000 --> 01:52:11,600
There is no ordinance related to the snipe signs.

1484
01:52:12,280 --> 01:52:14,120
I'm at the stop signs?

1485
01:52:14,940 --> 01:52:15,460
It's not.

1486
01:52:15,460 --> 01:52:16,480
Snip signs.

1487
01:52:17,320 --> 01:52:18,480
Oh, damn, I apologize.

1488
01:52:18,780 --> 01:52:19,260
I'm misunderstood.

1489
01:52:19,900 --> 01:52:22,540
But I thought it was a, I thought you, must have, I'm sorry.

1490
01:52:23,300 --> 01:52:23,660
So anyway,

1491
01:52:25,760 --> 01:52:27,520
you can enact ordinances.

1492
01:52:28,240 --> 01:52:32,860
Miss Borgas for a ordinance for Spay and Newtor.

1493
01:52:33,440 --> 01:52:34,260
Please do that.

1494
01:52:34,940 --> 01:52:36,020
Please do that.

1495
01:52:36,420 --> 01:52:36,880
It's easy.

1496
01:52:39,040 --> 01:52:41,300
So Mr. Wilson, is there a place for that list of accomplishments?

1497
01:52:44,720 --> 01:52:51,580
Thank you. Thank you. Madam Chair, may I? Yes. Mr. Butler. I would just reiterate what you've

1498
01:52:51,580 --> 01:52:58,020
heard. See our spoken before from Mr. Braswell and others. We are always available to make

1499
01:52:58,020 --> 01:53:02,560
appointments with and if you've got beef for lack of a better word, some issues that you

1500
01:53:02,560 --> 01:53:08,020
want to talk about, it could be much more effective to cover those. We don't need anything else

1501
01:53:08,020 --> 01:53:12,780
today and I'm not going to go against the procedures. But please feel free to make appointments

1502
01:53:12,780 --> 01:53:17,920
With us, we can get a lot more done on a one to one, rather than just in a little three-minute

1503
01:53:17,920 --> 01:53:22,720
you know, pieces of information, but if you would like to actually talk about some issues

1504
01:53:22,720 --> 01:53:28,360
and have more than three minutes, we're always open for constituents to make appointments.

1505
01:53:29,340 --> 01:53:31,740
Could I have my 39 seconds? Thank you. Thank you.

1506
01:53:32,420 --> 01:53:35,140
Can I have my 39 seconds please? The one? No.

1507
01:53:35,240 --> 01:53:39,040
Can you have extra? Yeah. I have 39 seconds. Yeah. Yeah.

1508
01:53:39,040 --> 01:53:42,500
That was not meant as a beef at all, with the sign thing.

1509
01:53:42,680 --> 01:53:47,940
I thought your past an ordinance to find people that left advertising signs at the

1510
01:53:47,940 --> 01:53:48,200
intersection.

1511
01:53:48,580 --> 01:53:50,220
That's not the case.

1512
01:53:50,800 --> 01:53:51,920
That is not the case.

1513
01:53:51,940 --> 01:53:53,260
I'll be glad to tell you why.

1514
01:53:53,520 --> 01:53:56,780
I feel that that's important in what we're doing, but it would take more than three minutes.

1515
01:53:56,940 --> 01:53:58,580
Again, I just encourage you to make appointments.

1516
01:53:59,020 --> 01:54:00,020
Well, please don't say it's a beef.

1517
01:54:00,480 --> 01:54:01,760
I was applauding you for making that thing.

1518
01:54:01,760 --> 01:54:02,980
I said rightfully so.

1519
01:54:03,660 --> 01:54:04,720
Please don't say that as a beef.

1520
01:54:06,360 --> 01:54:06,680
Okay.

1521
01:54:06,680 --> 01:54:14,340
The first time I ever talked was going to be the last time I ever spoke and Mr. Wilson interrupted me, told me he didn't like my attitude.

1522
01:54:15,300 --> 01:54:17,280
So please correct him when his be first.

1523
01:54:17,860 --> 01:54:19,680
Okay, thank you.

1524
01:54:20,440 --> 01:54:36,660
Just for the record, the presentation that we had Friday was basically lining up $133 million worth of cuts to identify what all

1525
01:54:36,660 --> 01:54:39,760
available to cut. Should have been a three pass.

1526
01:54:42,410 --> 01:54:45,470
Okay, next we have John Robertson.

1527
01:54:52,380 --> 01:54:52,840
Good morning.

1528
01:54:53,000 --> 01:54:58,920
My name is Jonathan Robertson. I live at 60 to 11 silver leaf lane in Lakeland Florida. Thanks for letting

1529
01:54:58,920 --> 01:54:59,980
me have three minutes off.

1530
01:55:01,020 --> 01:55:23,880
I'm just going to read an email that I sent about a week ago to you all. I know you're busy. So dear commissioners, I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to express serious concern regarding the estimated 100,000 plus stray and feral cats in Polk County and ongoing lack of a coordinated county-wide trap-neuter return program.

1531
01:55:23,880 --> 01:55:28,740
Without systematic intervention, this population continues to grow rapidly.

1532
01:55:29,400 --> 01:55:32,000
I'll step aside and say I know the 100,000 is an estimate.

1533
01:55:32,540 --> 01:55:36,480
The lower estimates have been 30,000, but even 30,000 or more,

1534
01:55:36,540 --> 01:55:37,800
it thinks a bit out of control.

1535
01:55:38,660 --> 01:55:42,180
As a volunteer, working with the SPCA of Lakeland,

1536
01:55:42,540 --> 01:55:45,120
I personally trap sterilized and return,

1537
01:55:46,220 --> 01:55:49,600
dozens of cats in the area just east of Harden Boulevard.

1538
01:55:49,720 --> 01:55:51,700
So if you imagine Carlton Music Center,

1539
01:55:51,700 --> 01:55:57,940
If you've ever been to Carlton Music Center and look at their trash dumpster, I've put a cat house back there, right?

1540
01:55:58,000 --> 01:56:02,180
The sequins go in and I trap them and do what needs to be done.

1541
01:56:02,780 --> 01:56:09,960
Also, I'm involved with the retirement community just east of that, which is the Citrus Community Retirement Center.

1542
01:56:10,080 --> 01:56:15,580
I worked with our community manager because they have probably a hundred stray cats running around there.

1543
01:56:15,580 --> 01:56:27,560
I've reviewed the county's website and available public materials, but have found no information regarding planning, budgeting or any active initiatives to address this issue at the county level.

1544
01:56:28,200 --> 01:56:42,580
I would appreciate any update on any current efforts, including whether the board has considered allocating resources for comprehensive TNR program or partnering with existing animal welfare organizations.

1545
01:56:42,580 --> 01:56:49,080
other Florida counties such as Pinellas. Look, Polk County, where the best county in Florida, right?

1546
01:56:49,080 --> 01:56:57,380
I agree. Not so for TNR program. Pinellas has this beat, soundly. Pinellas has successfully reduced the

1547
01:56:57,380 --> 01:57:03,880
straight cap populations through their well-established, robust TNR program. This demonstrates the

1548
01:57:03,880 --> 01:57:11,060
challenges solvable with the sustained policy commitment and funding. I respectfully request that the board

1549
01:57:13,880 --> 01:57:17,140
And provide a clear response outlining next steps.

1550
01:57:17,700 --> 01:57:21,040
I'm available to discuss the issue further or share my on-the-ground

1551
01:57:21,040 --> 01:57:21,300
observation.

1552
01:57:22,000 --> 01:57:24,300
If that would be helpful, thank you for your attention.

1553
01:57:24,820 --> 01:57:28,180
I took a vacation day to be here to speak with y'all.

1554
01:57:28,340 --> 01:57:29,840
Those are coveted at Public's Corporate.

1555
01:57:29,840 --> 01:57:30,520
Let me tell you.

1556
01:57:31,200 --> 01:57:32,040
Thank you for attention.

1557
01:57:32,300 --> 01:57:33,380
This community concern.

1558
01:57:33,660 --> 01:57:34,880
I find it very important.

1559
01:57:35,660 --> 01:57:36,900
Cats like to meet.

1560
01:57:37,180 --> 01:57:40,480
If it's 100,000, it's going to be 200,000 before we know it.

1561
01:57:40,480 --> 01:57:42,920
will be 500,000.

1562
01:57:45,280 --> 01:57:50,400
Ask AI what Penelas County has done to be so effective. We'll have one

1563
01:57:50,400 --> 01:57:55,660
of your assistance. Jump on Grocker, open AI, and just type in how his Penelas County

1564
01:57:55,660 --> 01:58:00,400
has been so effective at their TNR program. I can tell you, it starts with a basic, supportive

1565
01:58:00,400 --> 01:58:04,280
legal framework. It's not rocket science. Thank you all so much.

1566
01:58:04,480 --> 01:58:06,880
Thank you, John. We'll find my email if you have any questions.

1567
01:58:06,880 --> 01:58:07,340
Yes.

1568
01:58:09,680 --> 01:58:12,460
Okay, next we have David Cole.

1569
01:58:33,180 --> 01:58:33,580
Good morning.

1570
01:58:33,760 --> 01:58:34,700
My name is David Cole.

1571
01:58:34,840 --> 01:58:39,240
I live at 933 North Swanney Avenue in Lakeland, Florida.

1572
01:58:40,680 --> 01:58:42,280
It has to do with cats.

1573
01:58:42,500 --> 01:58:45,560
Over three years ago, a nonprofit group comes to me.

1574
01:58:45,700 --> 01:58:49,180
And one of them, if I would help trap cats to get them fixed.

1575
01:58:50,660 --> 01:58:55,220
Up to $2,000 of my own money, we were down to 4 female cats.

1576
01:58:55,220 --> 01:58:57,920
Every male in the neighborhood had been fixed.

1577
01:58:59,700 --> 01:59:03,240
19 months ago, as Ronald Reagan used to say,

1578
01:59:03,860 --> 01:59:05,520
your various fear for a private citizen,

1579
01:59:06,500 --> 01:59:09,500
I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you.

1580
01:59:10,380 --> 01:59:15,640
Well, sure enough, a AC officer that showed up,

1581
01:59:15,880 --> 01:59:18,340
told me stop feeding cats. I stopped feeding cats.

1582
01:59:19,660 --> 01:59:23,520
Nine months ago, he told me to clean up my front porch,

1583
01:59:23,520 --> 01:59:25,080
So he could see my front porch.

1584
01:59:25,680 --> 01:59:27,280
I cleaned off my front porch.

1585
01:59:28,380 --> 01:59:31,820
This AC officer had a management and management problem

1586
01:59:31,820 --> 01:59:34,560
that was really severe, really severe.

1587
01:59:36,660 --> 01:59:39,100
My neighbor, which witnessed both times,

1588
01:59:39,980 --> 01:59:42,340
he said, you know, that guy would have shot you

1589
01:59:42,340 --> 01:59:43,120
if he'd had a gun.

1590
01:59:43,260 --> 01:59:44,580
And I'd agreed with him.

1591
01:59:45,140 --> 01:59:46,380
OK, so I've gotten to compliance.

1592
01:59:48,860 --> 01:59:49,940
I got a citation.

1593
01:59:51,880 --> 01:59:53,520
I met this date statute.

1594
01:59:54,100 --> 01:59:57,220
I make the county ordinance statutes, our ordinances.

1595
01:59:58,440 --> 01:59:59,760
Well, along Honest, you'll got a citation.

1596
02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:08,940
I fought it when across the street to the court. It was a magistrate. She said she's going to be biased and un-on-opinionated.

1597
02:00:09,960 --> 02:00:17,820
Well, I presented a 15 page document how the citation was not following any ordinance. She brushed it aside.

1598
02:00:18,780 --> 02:00:27,880
She cut me off four times from speaking. The animal control officer stopped me abruptly and so covered me four times during the proceeding.

1599
02:00:30,480 --> 02:00:43,400
I'm a big man, I can take it. I paid the fine. So my question is, what am I supposed to do?

1600
02:00:44,100 --> 02:00:49,600
I'm in compliance. My neighbor pointed out to me, everybody in the neighborhood feeds cats except for me.

1601
02:00:49,600 --> 02:00:56,720
everybody, but the lady that's complaining has cats in her property, but she is not confronted

1602
02:00:56,720 --> 02:01:04,100
by animal control. So my question is, as I don't get at the great depression when the

1603
02:01:04,100 --> 02:01:08,320
bumps used to go around from north to south, and they look at a house and fit with Mark,

1604
02:01:08,480 --> 02:01:12,760
then you can get food there. And I mark now for the rest of my life of my property.

1605
02:01:17,140 --> 02:01:18,120
If the animal

1606
02:01:18,720 --> 02:01:23,320
I need to know from somebody, seriously, I mean, I'm in a dilemma.

1607
02:01:24,580 --> 02:01:25,920
I cannot live in the fear of constantly.

1608
02:01:26,080 --> 02:01:28,900
Every day they look out my door to see if I'm going to get a citation.

1609
02:01:29,020 --> 02:01:30,420
For something, I'm not doing.

1610
02:01:32,400 --> 02:01:33,580
Thank you for your time.

1611
02:01:35,560 --> 02:01:36,360
Thank you.

1612
02:01:36,540 --> 02:01:38,060
Mr. Beesley, can we have him?

1613
02:01:38,520 --> 02:01:42,040
Can we have David talk to someone that would help him with his situation?

1614
02:01:44,340 --> 02:01:46,200
Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me.

1615
02:01:47,160 --> 02:01:50,560
You've already spoken, I'm dealing with Mr. Beesley.

1616
02:01:51,620 --> 02:01:54,280
Yeah, this may be an animal control citation.

1617
02:01:54,580 --> 02:01:55,960
I'll be glad to refer to the statement.

1618
02:01:56,560 --> 02:01:57,980
Just check on that and see.

1619
02:02:00,280 --> 02:02:01,320
Thank you.

1620
02:02:01,580 --> 02:02:03,240
Mr. Abercomb is next.

1621
02:02:09,600 --> 02:02:10,620
Good morning again.

1622
02:02:10,900 --> 02:02:12,400
James Abercomb is 27-37.

1623
02:02:12,560 --> 02:02:13,340
Give someone a yellow arrow.

1624
02:02:14,560 --> 02:02:16,400
And I sit here and listen to you guys.

1625
02:02:17,500 --> 02:02:19,780
And every one of you say come please, please call me.

1626
02:02:19,780 --> 02:02:22,100
I mean, it was still a state this talk,

1627
02:02:22,340 --> 02:02:23,860
this kind of my office do this.

1628
02:02:24,740 --> 02:02:26,340
It's not public record anymore folks.

1629
02:02:27,140 --> 02:02:30,280
I'm afraid, like a lot of people in this building,

1630
02:02:30,640 --> 02:02:32,440
so I'm making it on a threatened me.

1631
02:02:32,740 --> 02:02:33,300
I've got that.

1632
02:02:33,540 --> 02:02:34,020
What do you think?

1633
02:02:34,680 --> 02:02:37,080
It's good possibility happens every all the time

1634
02:02:37,080 --> 02:02:39,320
around this building, trust me.

1635
02:02:40,680 --> 02:02:45,540
And once again, I asked for a complete definition

1636
02:02:45,540 --> 02:02:47,660
of why we need the building.

1637
02:02:49,080 --> 02:02:51,000
Why do we need that building?

1638
02:02:51,780 --> 02:02:57,680
Right now, we're having a massive discussion about property taxes and how everybody's going

1639
02:02:57,680 --> 02:03:02,860
to go broke and how we know how the money to have police and so on and so forth, but

1640
02:03:02,860 --> 02:03:07,780
yet we're everything we're building right now, everything in the process and it's already

1641
02:03:07,780 --> 02:03:14,120
in the process, eight fire stations ahead of time, fire going on right now, we're doing

1642
02:03:14,120 --> 02:03:18,620
these public buildings. And once again, I don't see a reason for it. I don't see where

1643
02:03:18,620 --> 02:03:23,900
the traffic is. Everything's online anymore. And it's on phone. They can walk into

1644
02:03:23,900 --> 02:03:29,200
a lot of these stores now. The place and all that stuff you can get it, you can find

1645
02:03:29,200 --> 02:03:35,380
a seat. There's one out there about the UPS store on North Lakeland. So I don't understand it.

1646
02:03:35,380 --> 02:03:43,160
Every building you build as well for the people is a tax exemption folks. No more taxes on

1647
02:03:43,160 --> 02:03:54,740
property anymore. $5.5 million, but a $15 million bill then, when no taxes, how are we

1648
02:03:54,740 --> 02:04:00,160
going to make that up? We're expected to make it up. You want us to have more tax bills.

1649
02:04:00,340 --> 02:04:05,780
You're going to add to our property taxes now, as it is this year. I'm sure of it. I don't

1650
02:04:05,780 --> 02:04:11,960
understand it. You're supposed to be, I don't represent few folks. You were elected to represent

1651
02:04:11,960 --> 02:04:18,720
me and the people in Polk County. Now, how do you justify spending that kind of money when we're

1652
02:04:18,720 --> 02:04:22,980
about to go broke anyway? It doesn't make sense to me.

1653
02:04:26,110 --> 02:04:30,950
Thanks. Thank you. And the last one is Ms. Debbie

1654
02:04:30,950 --> 02:04:31,630
Hicks.

1655
02:04:38,890 --> 02:04:44,190
Good morning. Debbie Hicks, 236 Alderman Road Lake and Florida. I actually was not going

1656
02:04:44,190 --> 02:04:51,950
speak this morning. But I was so impressed by the stormwater technical advisory committee

1657
02:04:51,950 --> 02:04:58,830
that Dave Carter, that was impressive. I don't truly understand your advisory committees

1658
02:04:58,830 --> 02:04:59,970
because sad to say we don't-

1659
02:05:00,000 --> 02:05:10,440
I don't have an animal one yet, but I know it's coming. And when it does, that is the example that I would like to use for the success.

1660
02:05:11,180 --> 02:05:19,480
That advisory committee was able to move the county forward in their stormwater, the way you handle stormwater. I don't know anything about it.

1661
02:05:19,480 --> 02:05:31,560
And I would like to thank and believe that an animal wellness advisory committee would do the same thing for this county with these issues that we've heard talked about today.

1662
02:05:32,600 --> 02:05:40,720
So anyway, I want to congratulate them and when we get that animal advisory committee, we're going to do the same. Thank you.

1663
02:05:40,720 --> 02:05:42,000
Thank you, Ms. Hicks.

1664
02:05:42,560 --> 02:05:43,820
Anybody else, Ms. Amber?

1665
02:05:44,340 --> 02:05:44,540
Okay.

1666
02:05:45,320 --> 02:05:49,320
Then I close the public hearing in any other comments.

1667
02:05:50,320 --> 02:05:51,160
Then we're adjourned.