Brian Fletcher

The agenda for the meeting included several key discussions under New Business: Consideration of Resolution No. 26-CRA-01, which updates the Residential and Commercial Façade Grant Program; and consideration of Façade Grants for Abounding in Faith, Inc., and Daniels McKown Oil Co. The resolution details the updated program, setting a maximum grant amount of $10,000 per project and outlining eligibility criteria for exterior renovations. The City Attorney provided commentary on the CRA Plan originally approved in 2011.

The meeting agenda included the consideration of appointing Robert Garst as an Alternate to the Planning Commission. A primary discussion involved the first reading of Ordinance No. O-26-02, which proposes amending the City of Eagle Lake, Florida 2030 Comprehensive Plan to assign High Density Residential Future Land Use and Planned Unit Development-Housing Zoning to an annexed parcel of approximately 9.83 acres located at 2100 Clover Ridge Ct. The consent agenda items covered approvals for the Regular City Commission Minutes from January 5, 2026, a Zambelli fireworks contract for June 27, 2026, the Eagle Lake Municipal Election Administration Agreement, and financial reports for November and December. Additionally, staff provided updates on the translation of a referendum question and the City Manager reported on CDBG funding for park facilities, the possibility of hiring a dedicated Building Official, the status of the New City Hall construction, filling a utility clerk position, progress on the Vue at Eagle Lake townhouse development modification request, and delays in the Water Cooperative expected delivery date.

The meeting included staff reports from the Library Director, Code Enforcement Officer, and Sergeant regarding library statistics, upcoming events, and code enforcement cases. The City Manager reported on updates from the DOT regarding entrance signs, the successful acquisition of two flock cameras, and financing options for a new City Hall through the Florida League of Cities, noting typical loan limits are 15 years. The Commission also discussed receiving $35 million in Milton funding for water projects and generator installation at lift stations, and planning a Strategic Plan workshop for January with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Key actions included the reappointment of Vicki Spofford and Joshua Macon to the Planning Commission, denial of Ordinance No. 0-26-02 concerning future land use and zoning for a parcel, and approval of Ordinances No. 0-26-03 and 0-26-04 which corrected scrivener's errors in previous ordinances. New business involved approving a License for Use of City Building for Keep Polk County Beautiful for 2026 and awarding a bid for Retention Pond Expansion. Additionally, Resolution No. R-26-02 vacating a parcel of land on Second Street South was approved. Commissioner Pita announced she would not seek reappointment due to plans to move out of the City.

Discussions during special presentations centered on the facade grant program, specifically considering raising the award amount for the Gessel's reimbursement to the current maximum of $10,000, which would require amending the facade grant program. The City Attorney was directed to research limits on grant frequency and whether electrical work could be included. Updates were given regarding potential investment in the Pancake House property for a gas station. Old Business involved the approval of the $10,000 Façade Grant Reimbursement to David Gessel. New Business included the adoption of Resolution No.: 25-CRA-03, approving the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Commissioner discussions touched upon whether the CRA could implement programs beyond the facade grant, such as assisting businesses with city property acquisition and tax credits, which would necessitate amending the CRA Plan.

The meeting included a Public Hearing regarding Proposed Ordinance No. O-25-18. This ordinance proposes amending the City of Eagle Lake, Florida 2030 Comprehensive Plan by revising the Future Land Use Map Series to assign Medium Density Residential Future Land use to four annexed parcels, and applying Planned Unit Development-Housing (PD-H) Zoning to the same parcels. The Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance to the City Commission. The meeting concluded after addressing no old or new business, and adjourning.