Polk County Administration

Building

Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO)

330 West Church Street

Bartow, Florida 33830

Meeting Minutes - Final

December 19, 2024 Regular TPO Board Meeting

Commission Boardroom

Polk County Administration Building

330 W. Church Street

Bartow, FL 33830

Call to Order - 9:00 a.m. (Trish Pfeiffer, Polk TPO Chairwomen)

Minutes: Chair Pfeiffer called the TPO Board meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. She also

welcomed the new members of the board.

Confirmation of Quorum

Minutes: KC Rivera, Polk TPO staff, confirmed a quorum. Commissioner Jim Watts

represented the South County Bloc and Commissioner Willie Quarles represented the

East County Bloc. Advisory Council members present were Wayne Gaither, FDOT,

Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO, and Randy Mink (for Heather Bryan), Polk County Legal.

Voting Members Present:

Mayor Trish Pfeiffer, Chairwoman

Commissioner Martha Santiago

Commissioner Rick Wilson

Commissioner Michael Scott

Commissioner Rebecca Troutman

Mayor Bill Mutz

Representing:

City of Bartow

Polk County BoCC

City of Lakeland

Commissioner Sara Roberts-McCarley, Vice-Chair

Commissioner Guy LaLonde, Jr.

Commissioner Bill Reed

City of Lakeland

Mayor Nat Birdsong

City of Winter Haven

City of Lake Wales

City of Auburndale

City of Haines City

City of Lake Alfred

City of Davenport

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates

Commissioner Tracy Mercer

Mayor Jack Hilligoss

Commissioner Jordan Helms

Mayor Omar Arroyo

Commissioner Vernel Smith

Vice-Mayor Nancy Daley

Vice-Mayor Jeremy Clark

East County Voting Members:

Commissioner Willie Quarles

South County Voting Members:

Commissioner Jim Watts

Advisory Members Present:

Wayne Gaither

Representing:

Town of Dundee

Representing:

City of Fort Meade

Representing:

FDOT, District One

Polk TPO Executive Director

TPO Legal Advisor

Representing:

City of Haines City

Florida Department of Transportation

Ryan Kordek

Randy Mink (Heather Bryan)

Other Persons Present:

Vice-Mayor Morris West (Alternate)

Edith Perez

Nicole Mauntter

William Roll

Julia Davis

Angela Kaufman

Lorenzo Thomas

Isai Chavez

Metric

Kimley-Horn

Polk TPO Staff

KC Rivera

Opportunity for Public Comment

Minutes: Chairwoman Pfeiffer opened the floor for public comment. There were no

public comments. Chairwoman Pfeiffer closed the floor for public comment.

Agenda Review - Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director

Minutes: Ryan Kordek, TPO Executive Director, covered some of the main topics on

the agenda and emphasized the Transportation Safety Discussion that will precede the

action items and presentations on the Board’s agenda.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION (TAB 1)

Transportation Safety Discussion

Minutes: Ryan Kordek, TPO Executive Director, presented recent safety data on Polk

County’s roads and highlighted several trends and areas of concern. He also

discussed the upcoming Vision Zero (SS4A) program status.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Polk County School Board Superintendent

Frederick Heid spoke about traffic accidents and congested roads. Sheriff Judd

provided some requests of the Board which included more road development since the

population of Polk County is increasing. Both Sheriff Judd and Superintendent Heid

discussed a major issue where drivers are not stopping when school bus stop arms

and flashing lights are active. Superintendent Heid provided statistics of the high

number of citations and warnings that have been issued after installing cameras on

school bus stop arms. He informed us of the safety needs in Polk County and what the

community partners including the TPO Board can do to help. He suggested: pursuing

sidewalk gap funding, revisiting land developments, consider creating a policy for new

residential developments to include a landing pad for students to stand on while waiting

for their school buses, as well as expanding the codes for sidewalk installation within

those same communities. Additionally, Superintendent Heid proposed creating a

long-term plan partnering with Polk County Public Schools, on proper striping, signage

and flashers for crosswalks in school zones.

A. Chairwoman Pfeffer asked how the traffic patterns will change with the

proposed school schedules starting earlier. Superintendent Heid informed

the board that presently the school’s proposed time changed have not been

met with positive feedback, so the school board is still lobbying for change

and flexibility with start times and transportation strategies at the local level.

B. Chairwoman Pfeiffer asked if driver education can come back as part of the

school’s curriculum. Superintendent Heid responded that there is a need for

a driver’s education program, and it can be discussed at a future time.

Currently, the Polk County School Board is in discussions for implementing a

Life Skills class necessary for graduation which may include some driving

points, financial literacy, and other important subject matter. Time limitations

appear to be restricting this effort in the current school session period.

C. Commissioner Santiago asked Sherrif Judd about the school crossing guards

and if there was an issue of drivers not stopping for them. Sherrif Judd stated

there remains on going issues with drivers not stopping and being distracted

while driving. Drivers continuing to utilize their cell phones while driving.

Sherrif Judd further asserted there is a need for meaningful legislation for cell

phone usage while driving. He continues to lobby for that change so law

enforcement can make a significant difference in ticketing those drivers.

CONSENT AGENDA (TAB 2)

A motion was made by Commissioner Santiago to approve the Consent Agenda items and

seconded by Vice Chair Roberts-McCarley. The motion was approved unanimously.

These action items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion.

There will be no separate discussion on these items. A Board member may request an

item be moved to the regular agenda for discussion.

Approve Minutes - August 8, 2024 TPO Board Meeting

Approve Polk TPO Executive Director Quarterly Timesheets and Expense

Reimbursements

Review/Approve Draft TPO Resolution 2024-07 approving Draft Amendments to

the FY 2024/25 - 2025/26 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and MPO PL

Funding Agreement

Approve Consultant Services Authorization TPO-20-1009-3-05 with Alfred

Benesch & Company for the 2025/26 Traffic Count Program at a Cost

Not-to-Exceed $80,000

10.

11.

Approve Appointments to the Polk County Transportation Disadvantaged

Coordinating Board (LCB)

2025 TPO Board Meeting Schedule

OTHER ACTION ITEMS (TAB 3)

12.

Review/Approve Amendments to the TPO’s Bylaws

Minutes: Julia Davis, Polk TPO, informed the Board that the TPO membership

apportionment plan has been approved by the Governor and FDOT. Amendments to

the Interlocal Agreement creating the TPO have also been approved by the TPO’s

member local governments, FDOT and the document has been recorded. The needed

changes to the Bylaws are the last step in the process to implement the changes

referenced in the apportionment plan. Ms. Davis requested the Board adopt the

amended bylaws which specify adding four (4) new voting members which include

Winter Haven, Haines City, Davenport and Lake Alfred. Also, the East County Bloc will

be changed to the Central County and Ridge Bloc.

A motion was made for approval of the changes to the Bylaws by Commissioner Sara

McCarley and was seconded by Commissioner Wilson. The motion was approved

unanimously.

13.

Public Hearing on Draft Amendments to the FY 2024/25 - 2028/29

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Minutes: Angela Kaufman, Polk TPO, presented the TIP amendments that are

necessary for federal funds in the current fiscal year. Technical Advisory Committee

(TAC) recommended approval and TPO Staff is requesting the TPO Board approve the

amendments to the FY 2024/25-2028/29 Transportation Improvement Program as

requested by FDOT. The Chair opened the floor to public comments and there were

none.

A motion was made to approve the amendments to the TIP by Commissioner Rick

Wilson, seconded by Vice Chair Roberts-McCarley. The Roll Call vote resulted with a

unanimous approval.

14.

Review/Approval the use of TMA-SU Funds for State Infrastructure Bank (SIB)

Loan Reimbursement for State Road 33 Widening (FPN: 430185-4) from Old

Combee Road to Firstpark Boulevard

Minutes: Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, explained there is a need for

additional funding for the State Road 33 widening project in northeast Lakeland. The

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has indicated the low bid for the

Interstate 4 at State Road 33 project came in approximately $19M over budget. In

order to award the project and establish a financial path forward, FDOT District One

had to obtain a $10M State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loan for the State Road 33

widening portion of the project. In support of the TPO’s priority, District One is seeking

the TPO’s support for reimbursement of the SIB loan beginning in Fiscal Year 2031.

In terms of funding sources that could be used, FDOT has proposed available state

funds as one means to reimburse the Loan, as well as available transportation

management area suballocated funds (TMA-SU) which are apportioned to the

Lakeland TMA. The Lakeland TMA coincides with the Lakeland Urbanized Area as

defined by the U.S. Census. TMAs consists of urban areas with a population of

200,000 or more. For the Lakeland TMA this includes the incorporated areas within the

Lakeland city limits, and portions of the Bartow and Mulberry city limits and

unincorporated areas of the county such as Kathleen, Socrum, Highland City and

Lakeland Highlands. FDOT looks to the Polk TPO to help define candidate

transportation projects and priorities for the use of these federal transportation funds

which are apportioned to the TMAs. Currently, the Lakeland TMA receives

approximately $4,550,991 a year in TMA-SU funds. Examples of transportation

projects the TPO has used TMA-SU funds include safety and complete street projects,

transit enhancements, intersection and minor highway capacity improvements, and

supplements to FDOT’s highway resurfacing program such as sidewalks and bicycle

lanes.

In addition to state funds and TMA-SU funds, there is the possibility the City of

Lakeland will contribute approximately $3M in local funds towards the SIB Loan

payback. The source of the City’s contribution is impact fees earmarked for the State

Road 33 corridor in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and agreements with

development activity impacting the corridor. If the City approves the use of these funds

for the project, the hope is it will reduce the burden on the TMA-SU box for the

Lakeland TMA - both in terms of the amount of TMA-SU funds required and the

duration the funds will be needed to reimburse the loan.

In discussing the State Road 33 SIB Loan, the TPO’s Technical Advisory Committee

(TAC) also emphasized the importance of maintaining all aspects of the project

including the two (2) wildlife crossings of Interstate 4 and State Road 33, as well as the

multi-use trail which is planned as part of the project.

A motion to approve the use of TMA-SU funds in support of the State Road 33

Widening Project was made by Commissioner Rick Wilson, seconded by

Commissioner Rebecca Troutman. Motion was approved unanimously.

15.

Review/Approval Draft Goal, Objectives, Performance Measures and Indicators

for the Long-Range Transportation Plan Update - Envision 2050 and a review

Envision 2050 Revenue Forecast

Minutes: William Roll of Kimley-Horn provided a presentation on the Draft Goal,

Objectives and Performance Measures (GOPs) for the 2050 Long Range

Transportation Plan Update. These GOPs are based the GOPs that were adopted as

part of Momentum 2045 and have been updated pursuant to the latest state and

federal transportation planning requirements.

He discussed the sources that were

considered in the preparation of the GOPs which include the 2045 transportation plan,

comprehensive plans, local city plans and neighboring MPO transportation plan.

Federal and State plans that were considered are the Florida Transportation Plan

(FTP), SIS Policy Plan and Federal law. Mr. Roll stated the goal of the LRTP is to

develop and maintain and integrated multi-modal transportation system to provide safe

travel for all users, the efficient movement of goods and services, and to promote

livable communities and economic activity.

After the vote, a discussion occurred.

William Roll, Kimley-Horn, reviewed the preliminary revenues forecast for the 2050

LRTP and stated it is required to have a financial plan that estimates funds that can be

available to support implementation of the LRTP. It must be based on funds that are

reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the LRTP. It is also important to

demonstrate fiscal constraint and ensure the LRTP reflects realistic assumptions about

future revenues. The revenue forecast is used as guidance for the development of the

LRTP Cost Feasible Plan. He also covered the many sources of funds used in the

preparation of the revenue forecast.

The following conversation occurred:

Commissioner Jim Watts of City of Fort Meade asked what was the timeframe that the

resurfacing costs went up by fifty percent. Mr. Roll responded the timeframe was two

years from the bids. Commissioner Watts asked is it costing extra money or is it cutting

projects? Wayne Gaither of FDOT responded we have adjusted the estimates which

then provides for fewer projects.

Mayor Bill Mutz of Lakeland asked why we would not include other revenue sources as

one of the bullets in local revenue sources? Mr. Roll answered in the demonstration of

fiscal constraint in the LRTP there must be a reasonable source of revenue which

needs a proven track record. Mayor Mutz stated we need to look for other sources of

local funds and our plans need to reflect this need. Chairwomen Pfeiffer of Bartow

suggested we add a referendum option to the LRTP to help with the anticipated

unfunded transportation needs. Mr. Roll stated that is typically done outside of the

TPO’s LRTP planning process and that we’re trying to maintain a level of creditability

with the public in preparing the LRTP and the TPO should tread lightly in terms of

introducing potentially controversial topics through the LRTP process.

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates of Winter Haven suggested the TPO should have another

presentation on the proposed addition of a half-cent sales tax to help with the

infrastructure and the TPO should take a vote to encourage the County Commission to

put it on a ballot and let the residents decide. Commissioner Santiago responded the

County Commission did consider a request made previously by the TPO early in 2024

and it failed to pass. Vice-Mayor Morris West of Haines City added a half cent sales tax

would help the east side of Polk County which has much of the transportation need in

the County.

Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, stated important information will be

collected with the 2050 LRTP’s transportation needs analysis will occur this coming

spring which will confirm the needed transportation projects and provide up to date

costs. The last time this was done was five years ago in support of the 2045 LRTP.

A motion was made to approve the Draft Goal, Objectives, Performance Measures

and Indicators for the 2050 LRTP Update by Commissioner Martha Santiago,

seconded by Commissioner Sara McCarley. Motion was approved unanimously.

16.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

(FTE) FY 2025/26 - 2029-30 Draft Work Programs for Polk County

Minutes: Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, provided a presentation on the

new FDOT and FTE Draft Work Programs for Polk County focusing on the TPO’s

priority projects. Similar to recent years, resurfacing and maintenance continues to be

a major source of investment for FDOT with nearly $300 million allocated in the Draft

Work Program for these projects. In terms of our state highway priorities, no new

project phases were added but several projects that were programmed in earlier work

programs are still moving forward. He also covered several complete street and trail

projects which have been added to the new work program.

Commissioner Rebecca Troutman mentioned the Lake Bonny Park crossing on

Highway 98 if we could add a device to get attention of the drivers to use caution when

the school students are crossing the road. Mr. Kordek responded we can bring this to

FDOT’s attention.

Vice-Mayor Nancy Daley stated she did not see the complete street project with City of

Lake Alfred. Mr. Kordek responded the PD&E Study is funded but no subsequent

phases have been added.

17.

Appointments to the Florida Metropolitan Organization Advisory Committee

(MPOAC) and Central Florida MPO Alliance (CFMPOA)

Minutes: (1) MPOAC

(a) Member - Vice Chair Roberts-McCarley

(b) Primary Alt - Mayor Nat Birdsong

Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates, seconded by Commissioner Bill Read.

Motion was approved unanimously.

(1) CFMPOA

(a) Member - Vice Mayor Nancy Daley

(b) Member - Mayor Pro Tem Brian Yates

Motioned by Commissioner Sara McCarley seconded by Mayor Nat Birdsong. Motion

was approved unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS AND STATUS REPORTS (TAB 4)

18.

Tradeport Boulevard Feasibility Study from State Road 33 to Walt Williams

Road (FPID: 447989-1)

Minutes: Nicole Mauntter, Project Manager, presented the project study conducted for

the various route options for Tradeport Boulevard which provides a new crossing of

Interstate 4 between Socrum Loop Road and State Road 33. She reviewed the four (4)

corridor alternatives that were considered and the public comments they have received.

Corridor two is being recommended to move forward for the PD&E Study.

19.

Priority Transportation Project Application Cycle

Minutes: Angela Kaufman, Polk TPO, provided information on the application process

for candidate transportation projects for FY 2030-31. Eligible projects include safety,

multi-modal, complete streets, trails and transit projects. The application deadline is

March 31, 2025.

REPORTS

20.

Executive Director’s Report

Minutes: Mr. Kordek referred to Brittany Silva, Polk County Communications, who

provided a presentation on the new TPO website and an outreach video that was

created for Envision 2050.

21.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Report

Minutes: Edith Perez, FDOT, shared the Draft Tentative Work Program hearing was

held December 9-13 and a face-to-face meeting was held on December 11th. Ms.

Perez also referenced several federal grant opportunities that are currently open.

22.

Board Member Comments

Minutes: · Mayor Bill Mutz would like for the TPO to have a sales tax presentation

and for the TPO to have the opportunity to provide support for this initiative at a future

meeting.

· Commissioner Jim Watts asked who should we contact for additional project for

safety funding? Mr. Kordek responded with anyone on our team or Edith Perez

with FDOT.

· Mayor Nat Birdsong requested staff to look into providing TPO members with

access badges for the side doors. Mr. Kordek stated he would look into this.

23.

Adjournment

Minutes: With no further business the meeting adjourned at 11:27am.

Next TPO Board Meeting is scheduled for February 13, 2025

Respectfully transcribed by KC Rivera, Office Manager IV.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities

needing special accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the

Board of County Commissioners, Communications Office, at 330 W. Church Street,

Bartow. Telephone (863) 534-6090, not later than four days prior to the proceeding. If

hearing impaired call: (TDD) (863) 534-7777 or 1-800-955-8771, or Voice impaired call:

1-800-955-8770, via Florida Relay Service.

The TPO planning process is conducted in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights

Act of 1964 and Related Statutes. Any person or beneficiary who believes they have

been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin,

disability, or family status may file a complaint with the TPO’s Title VI Specialist at (863)

534-6486, or by writing Ms. Julia Davis at Post Office Box 9005, Bartow, Florida

33831-9005.