Kathy Haley

The meeting commenced with opening remarks, a prayer, and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included updates on the ongoing election season, with early voting open and election day on March 10th. Council members emphasized the importance of voter turnout. A significant focus was placed on parking issues downtown, including a report detailing 14 available public parking lots providing over 524 spots, and an active campaign to inform businesses. It was announced that half of the parking lot behind the building would open to the public soon. The consent agenda included time changes for an upcoming meeting (moved to 3:30 p.m. on the 17th to accommodate local events) and the removal of two agenda items (8F and 8I). The primary new business was a public hearing concerning Ordinance 1571, which proposes changing the future land use classification for approximately 38 acres at the intersection of Sunset Road Rideway and Scenic Highway from county medium density residential to city commercial, supporting business park uses. Detailed presentations covered the proposed Plan Unit Development (PUD) and its consistency with surrounding development, noting traffic, water/sewer capacity, and environmental sensitivity. Specific development conditions were outlined, focusing on land use consistency, impervious surface ratios, 30% open space requirements (including dedicated public access corridors), and traffic analysis requirements per a 2023 developer agreement.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the Mayor's report on attending the Advent Health groundbreaking for a new heart lab expansion and a successful 'Coffee with the Mayor' event aimed at downtown momentum. A council member reported on a recent trip to Tallahassee concerning property tax issues, noting the need for flexibility in funding the fire department assessment, which is currently reliant on ad valorem taxes. The council discussed the associated cost of notifying constituents if assessment rates are adjusted versus waiting for a comprehensive EMS study. Item 13A involved establishing fire assessment rates for the next fiscal year, where the council ultimately voted to leave the current rates as they were for the year, postponing any changes until after the projected EMS study. Under city administrator reports, updates were provided on the FDOT road swap with paving scheduled to start in May, a recommendation from the TDC for a 50% cost share on the synergy proposal, and plans to implement a merit system for employee evaluations. There was also a brief discussion regarding tabling an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Board to allow for more applications.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda. Staff reports included an update regarding the March meeting date being shifted to the fourth Monday. New business involved the approval of a commercial interior grant for 113 Circle Park Drive. The board also discussed the resodding of Circle Park, agreeing to utilize Seville sod from the lowest bidder, All About Lawns, contingent upon specific conditions. Further discussion centered on the Centennial mural contribution, involving a request for the CRA to share the $5,500 cost 50/50 with the property owner, contingent upon execution of an agreement that mandates the mural remain in place for five years and is reviewed if stipulations change. Concerns regarding successor binding and visibility due to a potentially developable vacant lot adjacent to the mural were raised. Finally, updates were provided on tenant screening processes for a new development, confirming the CRA is not contractually obligated to approve tenants but made input to ensure no competition with existing CRA properties.

The purpose of this workshop was to allow proposers responding to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the lease of the Sebring municipal golf course property to present their concepts, qualifications, and proposed terms. The presentations covered proposals from H&L Golf Group, Harter Hall Historical Hotel LLC/Blackman Family, and Sports Med Properties. The discussion highlighted that the golf course has caused significant financial losses to the city, exceeding $2 million over five years, and the proposal from Harter Hall/Blackman Family, supported by DTE Golf Management, focuses on a destination resort anchor model, absorbing operational losses, while other proposals rely on golf course profitability. DTE management detailed their extensive experience, especially in Florida, their use of satellite imaging for turf health, and their commitment to keeping existing employees and providing benefits. The Mayor emphasized that no votes would be taken during this workshop, with a final vote scheduled for February 19th.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the mayor's report acknowledging a first responder reception and the continued success of bus tours promoting the county's visibility, particularly related to HGTV filming. Council members provided reports, including updates on a Black History Month exhibit and attendance at the Institute for Elected Municipal Officers. A significant portion of the discussion focused on state funding appropriations secured for a new aerial truck and police radios, and projections for funding for a new city hall and facilities project. The main agenda item discussed was the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the lease of the Sebring Municipal Golf Course property, involving deliberation among three options: Sports Med, Mr. Leonard/H&L, and Blackman's/Harter Hall. Council members shared their rankings and concerns regarding financial sustainability, long-term lease commitments (such as 99-year terms), and location suitability for each proposal.