Vanessa Avellaneda

The key discussion topics for this meeting included consideration of approving the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) with Gomez Construction for the 1st Street Streetscape project between Park Avenue and Orange Avenue. The Commission was also scheduled to consider an agreement with Catalyst Design Group for Design Services for the Kiwanis Park Loop Trail and amenities. A recommendation was presented for the award of the construction contract for Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery Phase 2 to Tiger Contracting, LLC. Other items involved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 amending Chapter 10 regarding Fire Prevention for state statute compliance, an Event Permit Application for two "Bark On Park" events in 2026, discussion of the 2026 Municipal Election and Canvassing Board information, and a discussion regarding the City Manager's performance evaluation.

The City Commission Workshop addressed several key items, including the consideration and recommended approval of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) with Gomez Construction for the 1st Street Streetscape Project, requiring a budget amendment funded by Multi-Modal Impact Fees. The Commission also considered approving an Agreement for Design Services with Catalyst Design Group for the Kiwanis Park Loop Trail and associated amenities, including a playground and restroom building. Furthermore, staff recommended the approval of awarding the construction contract for Lake Wales Memorial Gardens Cemetery Phase 2 to Tiger Contracting, LLC, noting the bid came in substantially under the engineer's estimate due to competitive bidding. The first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 was held to amend Chapter 10 (Fire Prevention) to ensure compliance with State Statute. Additionally, the Commission reviewed requests for two 'Bark On Park' events and discussed information pertaining to the upcoming 2026 Municipal Election and Canvassing Board duties, as well as the City Manager's performance evaluation. A notable comment included recognition for successful remediation of a nuisance property on Briggs Avenue.

The meeting was called to order, but a quorum was not present, preventing the approval of the December 15, 2025 minutes. Key discussions centered on Parks and Recreation updates, including progress on trail developments such as the Ridge Scenic HWY trail, Crystal Lake Park trail segment, and Tower Boulevard trail. The Commission approved a construction management agreement with Colliers for the Kiwanis Park comprehensive project, which includes replacing playground equipment, bathrooms, and a pavilion. Facility updates covered the planned resurfacing of Northwest basketball courts and updates on state approval for the soccer complex lighting and renovations at Lake Wales Park. Concerns were raised regarding the current lack of youth basketball practice space, which the long-term master plan addresses with a future dedicated facility. A commission member commended staff for the excellent condition of the soccer fields off Hunt Brothers Road.

The meeting agenda included several key actions and discussions. The Commission considered approving an application for a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Community Forestry Grant to support preventative tree maintenance for storm resiliency, following damage from Hurricane Ian. Authorization was sought to expend significant funds for the FY 2025-2026 annual street resurfacing program through Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., and for the lease-purchase of a Ford F-250 truck for the Airport, which was inadvertently omitted from a previous procurement memo. Key infrastructure items included approvals for force main cleaning services for the Eagle Ridge Mall Area and the Southside area, and funding approval for the Masterpiece Forcemain Extension project to expand sanitary sewer service. The Commission also reviewed special event permit applications for the Spring Friday Series and the Cork and Keys wine walk. In New Business, the City Attorney reviewed current foreclosure actions, and the City Manager discussed the Commission Meeting Calendar. Commission comments highlighted successful code enforcement remediation on a nuisance property and congratulated the MLK Day committee.

The agenda for this regular meeting included the call to order, roll call, and an explanation of procedures. Key discussion items involved the administration of the oath to staff, potential revisions, and the review of ten specific enforcement cases. The cases listed involved various entities and property identification numbers for issues requiring reduction or demonstration of compliance. The meeting also included a public comments and petitions segment, followed by staff and board comments, notably addressing a board member application for Fabiola Valencia.