Polk County

This document details Polk County's annual strategic planning process, which informs and outlines the county's priorities within its annual budget. The process involves individual commissioner interviews, management team input, and a board retreat to identify and prioritize key issues. Major focus areas include improving transportation infrastructure and mass transit in the eastern part of the county, and managing public safety expenses, particularly jail medical costs. The plan aims to balance citizen needs with available resources through a continuous, flexible approach to long-range planning across various departments.

The board meeting actions included confirming the appointment of Joe Johnson as the new director of PUBG County Indigent Health, following her extensive 17-year career within the county government. A major decision involved approving the third and final agreement with Republic Services of Florida after two years of negotiations, which included a $500,000 deposit into the solid waste operating fund and resolution of previously disputed issues. The board also approved adding three multi-commercial construction inspectors, estimating an annual cost of $200,000 to $500,000, to address increasing development and achieve a better inspection-to-inspector ratio. Furthermore, authorization was granted for a construction manager at risk to review the scope of the Roar Home expansion to align with available funds, citing issues with grant funding, increased costs for mechanical/electrical/plumbing improvements, and rising administrative requirements. Several construction contracts were approved, including one for a new levee near Port Hatch for approximately $300,000 and another for Lake Parker Outfall Canal improvements for approximately $790,000. A right-of-way agreement for land purchase related to US projects was approved, along with a contract of $1.2 million for acquisition closing. Additionally, a conditional use modification request was approved to remove restrictions on outdoor heating or feeding of vehicles for an existing vehicle sale/repair/service business. A resolution was also approved delegating specific Community Reuse Authority powers.

The County Commissioners addressed several key matters during the meeting. Discussions included a joint appeal against the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to recover overbilled taxpayer dollars, which followed the DJJ's reduction of the amount owed. The County Manager delivered a compliance report regarding recommendations from the citizen-led efficiency commission appointed in 2013, with the board scheduling future work sessions to provide direction on these findings. Significant utility projects were approved, including a modification to a consultant service agreement with Rees Engineering Incorporated for Phase 2 of the Northwest Regional utility service area reclaimed water storage and recovery testing program, and an agreement with Hydro Solutions Consulting LLC for the Northeast Regional utility service area Wastewater and reclaimed water master plan. Additionally, a contract was approved with Horton Smith Incorporated for improvements to the Southwest Regional wastewater treatment facility pumping station. The board also adopted a resolution creating the P County's Sidewalk Advisory Committee, comprised of county staff, residents, and representatives from the School Board and Transportation Planning Organization. Employee service milestones were recognized, and Tampa Electric Company and a second entity were recognized for their contributions to the Ly E Harp Park playground expansion. An appointment was made to the Eloise Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee. Public hearings covered a 3-2 approval for a construction aggregate processing and storage facility in Mulberry. Ordinances were adopted to amend the local business tax ordinance for virtual receipt flexibility, vacate a portion of platted Right-of-Way on East Lake Summit Drive, and change the Land Development code subdistrict map for two separate parcels near I-4 and Ronald Reagan Parkway, changing designations from residential low density to higher density or convenience/neighborhood activity centers.

The County Commissioners' actions from the November 4th meeting included approving an amendment to the Professional Services agreement with Atkins North America Incorporated for additional services related to Walker Road Park and Ithaca Sassa Reserve, costing approximately $217,000, covering design services and construction administration. A construction contract was approved with Rodman Construction Incorporated to remodel the fire rescue headquarters and training building for approximately $24,000. Staff was authorized to negotiate an agreement with Toshiba Business Solution for managed print services to reduce costs. The board adopted a resolution amending the fiscal year 13-14 utilities operating budget by $13.3 million to account for issuing new utility system revenue bonds and refunding existing ones. Three employees were recognized for their long service (20, 25, and 30 years). The board proclaimed November 2014 as Hospice and Palliative Care Month and November 4th through 6th, 2014, as Care Enough to Wear Pink Days. Approvals were also granted for a Community Investment Program Amendment and interlocal agreement concerning infrastructure for the southern segment of the North Ridge Trail, and an infrastructure agreement with Clear Springs Land Company for the Barto Northern Connector Phase 2 Improvement project up to $330,000. During public hearings, ordinances were adopted granting Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax exemptions to Von Walter Recycling LLC and Public Supermarkets Incorporated, along with improved performance agreements. A conditional use modification was approved for the North Central Landfill for new cells and stormwater retention expansion. A resolution delegated specific community redevelopment authority to the City of Mulberry, and a development agreement with Northridge Community Redevelopment Agency for the North Ridge Trail was approved. Ordinances were adopted amending the Land Development Code regarding aggregate processing and storage, and repealing old ordinances related to Parks and Recreation areas in favor of a single new ordinance. Finally, appointments were made to the P County Lakes Access Advisory Committee and the P County Historical Commission.

The County Commissioners' meeting on August 19th included the approval of Gary Hester as Deputy County Manager, effective October 6, 2014, which involved eliminating two vacant management positions resulting in annual cost savings of approximately twenty-four thousand dollars. The Board approved a construction contract of approximately $721,000 for the new Coleman Landing campground, which will feature 54 RV campsites. Approvals were also granted to release impact fees to the Polk County School Board to fund a new K through 8th grade school and a classroom wing at Horizons Elementary School. Furthermore, the Board approved sponsorship agreements with 15 arts and culture organizations for 24 events during fiscal year 2014-2015, utilizing approximately $434,000 from the tourist tax fund. Planning matters included large-scale comprehensive plan amendments concerning land use designations, which were sent to the state for review, and several approved amendments regarding the Land Development code concerning utility substations and setback variances. The Board also adopted resolutions vacating a portion of land and a platted easement. Updates were provided on stormwater management priorities, detailing a reduction from 97 to 50 lakes on the cleanup prioritization list. The Planning Commission meeting on July 9th conditionally approved cases for a sand mine, an expansion of a self-storage facility, and a religious institution.