Nathaniel J. Birdsong

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. A presentation was given by the Water Department regarding the 'Imagine a Day Without Water' essay contest winners, including introductions of the winners and details about their related tour. Public comments featured significant discussion regarding development proposals behind Spring Lake Plaza, specifically concerning access agreements, traffic impact, water supply sustainability, and existing code violations related to the developer (Landmark/Scarecrow). Residents also voiced concerns over the significant reduction of a substantial fine levied against a property owner who had allegedly lied to a magistrate regarding code violation remediation. Further comments addressed the importance of citizen involvement, accountability, and transparency in city processes, including the status of obsolete PUD ordinances. Additionally, a resident discussed immigration encounter statistics for Polk County, Winter Haven, and surrounding cities.

The agenda review covered several items requiring commission approval or discussion. Key topics included the proposed purchase of four police vehicles from Coco Ford, Inc., to replace one totaled unit and one unserviceable unit, plus adding two new units for captains. Another item concerned the annual proposal to lease four school buses from the School Board of Polk County for the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department's summer youth program. Additionally, the commission reviewed a temporary road closure request through the Department of Transportation for the annual Winter Haven Police Department 5K scheduled for March 14th. Other items discussed involved the budgeted replacement of carpet in various sections of the library, authorization for travel and training for Commissioner Birdong regarding Central Florida Regional Planning Council meetings, the budgeted replacement of pumps for several lift stations, consideration of the Interotal Logistics Center regional storm water pond design effort, approval of easements for the Polk Regional Water Cooperative's water transmission system related to the new Pard Water Treatment Facility, and a recommendation of award for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract for the new water production facilities at Pard Road and Cypresswood, utilizing a CM@R delivery method.

The meeting agenda review covered several items including routine proceedings like roll call, invocation, and pledge of allegiance, followed by two presentations. Key discussion points involved the second reading of an ordinance (026-05) for rezoning property on US Highway 27 from PUD to commercial highway C3 and conservation zoning to accommodate an automotive dealership relocation. Another ordinance involved amending boundaries for the Villimar Community Development District (CDD) due to a commercial rezoning. A budget amendment was discussed for repainting and recarpeting former finance offices in the city hall annex in anticipation of the engineering division relocating there. Business items included the reappointment of Mr. James Hogan to the Winter Haven Police Officers Pension Board. Significant discussion focused on the Logistics Parkway project, specifically approving a new purchase order for CI services and construction management for the southern phase, totaling $1.319 million. A vehicle replacement for a totaled Ford Explorer in the public works department was presented, to be funded by capital replacement funds and insurance payout. The annual agreement for implementing the uniform method of collecting nonadvalorem special assessments through Polk County agencies was reviewed. An emergency replacement of the fire alarm control panel at the Winter Haven Police Department was addressed, ratifying a purchase from HeatWave Fire and Safety for $57,872 due to the panel reaching end-of-life. Standard travel and training approval was requested for Commissioner Birdong to attend a regional planning council meeting. A use agreement for the Russ Collegiate Baseball Invitational at Chain Lakes Park for the 2026 season, projected to generate $105,417 in rental fees and $10 million in economic impact, was recommended for approval. Finally, approval was sought for the construction portion of an FDOT public transportation grant for the Airport Commerce Park Phase 1 project, amounting to $840,000 total cost ($420,000 city contribution) to fund road, apron, and taxiway improvements. A follow-up discussion ensued regarding better publicizing major event schedules, such as the baseball tournament, to support local businesses.

The meeting included the recognition of two local heroes during Black History Month: Miss Angeline Katon Davis for her lifelong service in nursing and community volunteerism, and Mr. Joe Nathan Halman Jr. for his distinguished career in faith, law enforcement, and public administration. The commission also addressed public comments concerning city contracting practices, specifically regarding the procurement method for two new water plants, where a local contractor expressed concern over the lack of competitive bidding. The commission acted on zoning matters, approving Ordinance 026-05, which rezones a parcel from Plan Unit Development (PUD) to Commercial-Highway (C3) and Conservation (CN) districts for a proposed automotive dealership. Additionally, the commission approved Ordinance 026-06, contracting the boundaries of the Villimar Community Development District by removing 51.62 acres planned for future development.

The '2025 State of the City' document provides an overview of the City of Winter Haven's achievements and ongoing initiatives. It highlights progress across six strategic pillars: Economic Sustainability, Quality of Life, Infrastructure, Environmental Stewardship, Community Safety, and Responsible Government. The report details efforts in areas such as local business support, affordable housing, recreational facility development (including new community centers, parks, and trails), road improvements, water and wastewater system upgrades, fiber optics network expansion, land acquisition for environmental preservation, and maintaining a low crime rate. The overarching vision is to enrich the lifestyle of residents through exceptional service and collaborative community efforts.