Rick Jiles

The Planning Commission meeting included the election of a new Chairman and Vice Chairman for a one-year term. Public hearings were held regarding a site plan review for Central Florida Furniture Design and a text amendment to the Land Development Code to include special events facilities, both of which were approved. Additionally, the commission discussed plans for an upcoming training workshop scheduled for the following month.

The session served as an orientation meeting for new Planning Commission members. A presentation covered the commission's responsibilities, including reviewing Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments, Future Land Use Map Amendments, Rezoning/Text Amendments, Site Development Plans, and Subdivision Plats. Discussion ensued regarding the Polk City Comprehensive Plan, which outlines maximum development potential, and the Land Development Code that guides zoning and development standards. Clarification was also sought and provided regarding the meaning of various codes and the denial process for Site Development Plans, emphasizing the requirement to state a reason for denial if criteria are met, due to Florida's property rights status.

The meeting addressed the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, which was postponed until the February 2020 meeting. A significant agenda item involved the review of the draft update to the Landscaping Section of Article 3 of the Polk City Land Development Code. During this review, Member Ho-Shing presented on his case regarding rain barrels, aesthetics, and zeroscopic landscaping (now termed Florida Friendly). Following discussion and clarification from the City Manager and a CFRPC representative regarding conflicts of interest and code details, the Commission approved the draft update of the Landscaping Section.

The meeting involved a public hearing regarding a City-initiated text amendment to the Polk City Land Development Code to incorporate procedures and standards for water efficiency and conservation, specifically related to the Florida Water Star Program. Following presentations, the amendment was unanimously approved. Additionally, the commission reviewed and unanimously approved the Site Plan Application for the Polk City Self Storage Expansion, which included adding climate-controlled and outdoor secure RV storage areas, contingent upon the removal of a gate.

The primary discussion and action item involved conducting the Post-Election Audit. A Deputy Supervisor of Elections provided an overview of the procedures and governing state statutes, including security protocols. Following this, the Chairman authorized the manual counting of ballots. The manually counted votes for Charter Amendment #1, both from the polls and by mail, were compared and matched with the results from the automated voting system.