Polk County Board of County Commissioners

Meeting Minutes - Final

December 16, 2025 Regular BoCC meeting

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to

participate in this proceeding should contact the Communications Office not later than 48 hours prior to the proceeding.

Their office is located in the County Administration Building, 330 West Church Street in Bartow. Telephone (863) 534-6090

or TTY (863) 534-7777. If hearing impaired dial 7-1-1 for Florida Relay services or call (800) 955-8771 (TTY); dial (800)

955-1339 if you are using a computer.

Any invocation that may be offered before the official start of the Commission meeting shall be the voluntary offering of a

private citizen, to and for the benefit of the Commission. The views or beliefs expressed by the invocation speaker have

not been previously reviewed or approved by the Commission, and the Commission is not allowed by law to endorse the

religious beliefs or views of this, or any other speaker.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or

hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a

verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is

to be based.

Rollcall

Commissioner Becky Troutman

Commissioner Rick Wilson

Commissioner Bill Braswell

Commissioner Martha Santiago

Commissioner Michael Scott

Present:

CALL TO ORDER - 9:00 a.m. (MARTHA SANTIAGO, CHAIR)

INVOCATION

Murphy Hanley, Polk County Fire Rescue Chaplain

Minutes: Murphy Hanley, Fire Rescue Chaplain, asked that we continue to keep

firefighter/EMT Eryn Orduna and firefighter/paramedic John Parris in our prayers.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (MARTHA SANTIAGO, CHAIR)

PRESENTATIONS and RECOGNITIONS

PUBLIC COMMENTS CONCERNING AGENDA ITEMS

B.1. Comments.

Minutes: There was no one from the public wishing to speak on Agenda Items.

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

C.1. Approve Consent Agenda.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Rick Wilson

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

COUNTY COMPTROLLER (STACY M. BUTTERFIELD, CPA)

D.1. Disbursements.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

D.2. Minutes of Regular Board meeting held on December 2, 2025.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

COUNTY ATTORNEY (RANDY MINK)

F.1. Discuss potential removal of Michael B. Schmidt as a member of the Polk

County Planning Commission.

Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink discussed the potential removal of Michael B.

Schmidt as a member of the Polk County Planning Commission. He said the concern is

the exchange involving the Saddlebag case with the Planning Commission. He said

after their exchange with Mr. Schmidt and the applicant's attorney which involved

statements from Mr. Schmidt and questioning at the very end he says, "I rest my case".

He said he believes the concern is that this brings in question the ability to be impartial

during cases. He said when you are dealing with conditional uses it is a quasi-judicial

proceeding and one of the requirements is that the Board remains impartial and

unbiased in those proceedings and makes their decision based on competent

substantial evidence. He said when that comes into question that is an issue of due

process. He said the hearing before that he had sent a letter to Commissioner Schmidt

asking him to recuse himself based on some comments he had made on FaceBook

regarding a conditional use approval involving the Polk Regional Water Cooperative.

He said Commissioner Schmidt stated he had voted against the first 18 wells and that

he could not state how he was going to vote on this case, but you could guess how he

would vote. He said the question of being impartial was raised and he thinks there was

the implication that he had already made a decision. He said it is important to be

impartial and now he has his track record that could be raised in additional cases. He

said this has been placed on the agenda to discuss the removal of Commissioner

Schmidt.

Commissioner Wilson said we do not need any problems with cases. He said there are

procedures on what you can and cannot do and everybody knows that. He said he

wanted to get Mr. Mink's opinion and that is why he brought it up.

Mr. Mink stated they do go through training and he did sit on Mr. Schmidt's training and

they do emphasize that they need to be quasi-judicial and impartial because that is

something easy to attack on the appeal process.

Commissioner Braswell said in the years he has been here nothing like this has

happened. He said plenty of developments have been approved and denied without

bringing the Commissioners into question. He said it is not a good idea to keep him on

and we have other people waiting to replace him. He said we have heard from the

attorney at the last hearing that this has opened a can of worms and we do not need

that. He said they need to be cut and dry and we do not need speeches about what

you are or are not going to do in the future. He said replacing him sounds like the right

thing to do.

Commissioner Troutman said this is a great liability that we would create or continue to

allow for the county.

Commissioner Scott said if we move forward with the removal he will move forward with

a replacement. He said his effort would be to get someone in that seat prior to the

January Planning Commission meeting.

Mr. Mink said it would be an appointment for the remainder of the term. He said part of

the policy is there needs to be a resume and to be noticed. He said the next Board

meeting is January 6th and the next Planning Commission meeting is on January 7th.

He said they could get them trained on January 6th.

Chair Santiago said it is unfortunate that we have to do this. She said we cannot take

our chances and liabilities with something one of our Planning Commissioners said

being held against the county.

Approve removal of Michael B. Schmidt as a member of the Polk County Planning

Commission effective today.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Rick Wilson

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

F.2. Approve Amendment #1 to Agreement 2025-015 with Geosyntec Consultants,

Inc. for professional engineering services for the Southeast Landfill. ($39,072.00

One-time expense)

Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink discussed Amendment #1 to agreement

2025-015 with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., for professional engineering services for

the Southeast Landfill.

Commissioner Scott recused from voting.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Rick Wilson

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, and Santiago

Scott

Recused:

COUNTY MANAGER (BILL BEASLEY)

G.1. Approve agreement with Eisman & Russo, Inc. for construction engineering and

inspection (CEI) services for Thompson Nursery Road Phase I - Segment 1.

(not-to-exceed one-time expense $5,010,675.00)

Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the agreement with Eisman & Russo,

Inc., for construction engineering and inspection services for Thompson Nursery Road

Phase I - Segment 1. He recommended approval.

Upon question, Mr. Beasley said this a not to exceed number and there is a small

contingency amount, usually about 5%.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Rick Wilson

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

G.2. Approve construction contract with Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc. for the Spirit

Lake Road Roundabout project ($4,991,838.82 one-time expense)

Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the construction contract with

Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc., for the Spirit Lake Road Roundabout project. He

recommended approval.

Upon question, Roads and Drainage Director Jay Jarvis said they will be shutting down

Old Bartow Eagle Lake Road and Sheffield Road at various times but still allowing

those connections. He said based on the design plans they are not closing Spirit Lake

Road during the construction. He stated they are building half and half of the

roundabout through the construction process.

Commissioner Wilson said it is going to be a nightmare and he does not know if it is

something needed or not. He said even in the good days it is a nightmare.

Mr. Jarvis said they anticipate construction starting in February. He confirmed that

communication will take place to let people know.

Commissioner Braswell said it is a busy road and the nightmare on this is the pricetag.

Mr. Jarvis said the upcoming projects are at Tenth and Galloway Road, Cypress

Gardens Road at Lake Ned, and Gapway Road.

Mr. Beasley said there may be one or two that will be built as a part of 557.

Mr. Jarvis said there will be upcoming discussion on Masterpiece Road. He said the

price evens out overtime along with safety.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

G.3. Approve Land Purchase Agreement between Preservation of Natural Florida,

Inc. and Polk County in conjunction with the Environmental Lands Program,

CLASAC Project EL-113-24. ($226,250 total expense)

Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the Land Purchase Agreement

between Preservation of Natural Florida, Inc., and Polk County in conjunction with the

Environmental Lands Program, CLASAC Project EL-113-24. He recommended

approval.

Commissioner Wilson said this is a prime example of the hard work that the CLASAC

Board has done. He said we are moving forward and gathering property throughout this

county that will be there for a long time. He said that is what this is intended to do and

from the help of our great citizens that voted this in we are doing it with other partners

in the state. He said this is what we like to see and he is very proud of our staff and the

CLASAC Board.

Chair Santiago said she agrees with Commissioner Wilson and she stated this is great.

Parks and Natural Resources Director Tabitha Biehl showed the conservation areas on

a map. She said it provides a wildlife corridor and makes these green corridors more

sustainable.

Commissioner Wilson said this is a smaller piece and we have some pretty big pieces

that we have completed.

Ms. Biehl said in total there is 29,000 acres that the Environmental Lands Program has

protected.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Rick Wilson

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1 (BECKY TROUTMAN)

H.1. Commissioner Troutman Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Troutman wished everyone a Merry Christmas. She gave a

special word of thanks for the support and the work of Fire Rescue. She said seeing

how they have come alongside and surrounded their own has really been meaningful

and impactful to watch. She said we have a gentleman who has a long road of healing

in front of him but she is thankful for his brothers, sisters and Fire Rescue that have

been part of the support for him.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 (RICK WILSON)

I.1.

Commissioner Wilson Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Wilson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year. He said he is looking forward to next year and it is going to be a great year. He

stated to be thankful everyday of what we have.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 (BILL BRASWELL)

J.1. Appoint Adam W. Greenway, Ph.D., to replace Blair Updike on the

Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC).

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

J.2. Appoint Jamie Richardson as a Member of the Lakes Access Advisory

Committee, for the three-year term, November 17, 2025 through November 16,

2028. (District 3 Appointment)

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

J.3. Commissioner Braswell Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Braswell echoed the comments about Christmas and being

thankful. He said he does not know why people go crazy during Christmas when it

comes to driving. He said it seems like somebody is getting killed in Polk County almost

daily on the highways when it is unnecessary. He said to pay attention, put the phone

down, and he knows we are all in a hurry.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 (MICHAEL SCOTT)

K.1. Commissioner Scott Comments.

Minutes: Commissioner Scott said they had a few calls regarding stormwater issues

due to the heavy rainfall in the northern part of the county last week. He said we are

working through Senate Bill 180 that has to go back through session to have

modifications. He stated we do have stormwater improvements that are set up and in

queue that will provide relief to some areas on new and existing developments. He said

to bear with the state process, we are aware and working on that. He said Highway 98

is under lane repair. He said the significant dip that is on 98 North prior to getting to

Walmart will be repaired and he said it was a giant safety hazard. He stated he

appreciates FDOT for hopping on that and getting it taken care of. He said when you

look at traffic accidents, what we can do road safety wise is to prohibit an accident from

happening. He said we have our Board Retreat next year and if there are any residents

that have items for us to consider to reach out to the office. He wished everyone a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He said it has been a great year.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4 (MARTHA SANTIAGO, CHAIR)

L.1. Chair Santiago Comments.

Minutes: Chair Santiago wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

She said the beginning of the year is going to start with a bang with our legislative

session taking place with one of the things we will be following very closely will be the

property taxes and what is going to come up with that. She encouraged everyone to

keep an eye on that.

EXPEDITED HEARINGS PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 2022-089

Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink reminded the audience of the procedures for

Public Hearings and Expedited Public Hearings. He swore in those who plan to speak.

N.1. Public Hearing (LDCPAL-2025-1 GPK Holly Hill Groves 2 CPA Amendment)

(Adoption Hearing) to consider the adoption of a Large-Scale Comprehensive

Plan Amendment to change the Future Land Use designation on 14.6 acres

from Employment Center - X (ECX) to Residential-High X (RHX). (No Fiscal

Impact)

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed land use

amendment. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.

Upon question, Mr. Ziskal said they could redevelop with retail up to 30% and office

could be commercial services. He said Walmart and Sams are allowable uses within

the Employment Center. He said there is an entire list of commercial uses that could be

placed on those properties today. He said the height allowed with the Residential High

would be 75 feet and a maximum density of 15 units per acre. He said that staff finds

that residential guarantees a transition buffer where Employment Center or commercial

uses may not. He said the difference would be a Type C buffer with a 25 foot buffer

between the non-residential and residential. He said it is the same buffering for ECX.

He stated the green part on the map is an institutional land use designation that exists

there.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

N.2. Public Hearing (LDCPAS-2025-25 Lake Marion Creek Dr and Pine CCX CPA)

(Adoption Hearing) to consider the adoption of a Small-Scale Comprehensive

Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the Future Land Use designation on 1.58 +/-

acres from Development of Regional Impact (DRI) to Convenience Center-X

(CCX) in the Utility Enclave Area (UEA). (No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed land use

amendment. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing.

Virgil Snipstad said he will give the Board a list of things that are important. He said he

has issues with rezoning for commercial property. He said traffic and noise is an issue.

He said he has a petition from people. He discussed the piled garbage and the smell.

He said there is a school south of this and he said there will be an issue with the kids

with the increased traffic.

Bart Allen, applicant, said he has spoken with Mr. Snipstad. He said this is a land use

change and they do not have final site development plans. He said they do not have

control of the property and the property was previously entitled under the pre-DRI for a

church site and was always non-residential. He said the church has never developed

and this is a replacement use. He said when you look at the additional landscaping

requirements and the buffering requirements it will be focused towards Lake Marion

Creek Drive and not towards the residential. He said they will continue the

conversations and do a site visit with Mr. Snipstad. He requested Board approval.

The Chair closed the public hearing.

Upon question, Mr. Ziskal said the county owns the property across the street. He said

the main entrance will be further north. He said currently on the DRI map it is

designated as a church site. He said it does not have a standard land use because it

predates the Comprehensive Plan. He said the pre-DRI map indicated commercial

sites on the west side which is part of our nature conservation area. He said with all the

conservation area staff viewed this as a swap but with a much smaller scale allowing

the commercial designation to go on the east side.

Commissioner Scott said that the characteristics have changed from what was

envisioned years ago. He said with a church you are not having the intensity of traffic,

noise and everything else that goes on with convenience stores. He said a

convenience store that could be opened 24/7 is a bit of a swing when you look at

intensity.

Mr. Ziskal said the land use designation is a convenience center but a convenience

store is not a permitted use. He said it allows a slew of uses from retail. He said the

proposed change is from a church site to a commercial site. He said the most intense

use would be financial institution, gas station, retail, personal services.

Commissioner Scott said that a convenience store is a gas station. He said he is not

comfortable with it being a 24/7 operation. He said we have conservation across the

street and to go to that intensity is not compatible.

Chair Santiago said one of the things she has heard from the citizens in this area is

that there is not enough convenience stores or commercial. She said that there is a lot

of residential in the area but no where to go shopping or to get something really quick.

She said most of the people would have to go to the Osceola side and she thinks this is

something that is needed in the area.

Commissioner Troutman said she supports this. She said with six years being on the

Planning Commission they heard it time and time again about the need for services in

that area. She said this is a support that is needed by the residents in this area and it is

something that has been voiced by the residents.

Chair Santiago discussed the gas station and the dollar store and said the residents

are looking for more commercial.

Mr. Ziskal showed on a map where the other convenience stores are located.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

N.3. Public Hearing (LDCPAS-2025-27 Highway 542 East Property CPA

Amendment) (Adoption Hearing) to consider the adoption of a Small-Scale

Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the Future Land Use designation

on 12.64 acres from Residential-Suburban (RS) to Business-Park Center (BPC).

(No Fiscal Impact).

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed land use

amendment. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.

Upon question, Mr. Ziskal said to the west and northwest is salvage yard and auto and

to the east is electrical substation.

Mark Bennett, Land Development, said there is one single-family residence

immediately west of the site and then the salvage yard activity is to the west.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

N.4. Public Hearing (LDCD-2025-7 Highway 542 East Property District Change)

(Adoption Hearing) to consider the adoption of a sub-district change from

Business Park Center (BPC-1) to Business Park Center-2 (BPC-2) on 12.64

acres within in the Suburban Development Area (SDA). (No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed land use

amendment. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

N.5. Public Hearing (LDCT-2025-22 Recovery Residences) (Adoption Hearing) to

consider the adoption of an ordinance amending the use tables in Chapter 2,

Chapter 4, and Chapter 5, to add large group homes into residential future land

use districts; amending chapter 10, definitions, to add recovery residences to

conform with state statute. (No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: Land Development Director Ben Ziskal reviewed the proposed text

amendment. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Rick Wilson

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, and Santiago

Scott

Absent:

PUBLIC HEARINGS

O.1. Public Hearing (LDCD-2025-6 Hamilton Road Sub-district) (Adoption Hearing) to

consider the adoption of a sub-district change from Business Park Center-1

(BPC-1) to Business Park Center-2 (BPC-2) to allow for outdoor storage. (No

Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: Erik Peterson, Land Development, showed slides and reviewed the proposed

land use change. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommended

approval. He said the applicant requested the land use change for outdoor storage. He

showed a map of the surrounding area and said this is close to the Lakeland airport.

The Chair opened a public hearing.

Kevin Benedict said he is a pilot of 50 years. He said they must examine the impact of

growth on aircraft operations. He suggested a lighting plan be included in the process

with any airport within the traffic pattern of Lakeland Linder Airport. He said the areas

around the airport have more risks. He stated that commercial lighting within the airport

should point down at 90 degree angles and not horizontal. He said with better visual

reference to other aircrafts it helps to avoid mid-air risk of collision. He discussed the

traffic pattern and said the lighting will be directed into the left view of the runway. He

showed a picture on lighting and he discussed the need for proper lighting.

The Chair closed the public hearing.

Bart Allen, applicant, responded to public comment. He said what Mr. Benedict is

talking about has nothing to do with what is being discussed today. He said there has

been a lot of discussion with the applicant, Lakeland Electric and Mr. Benedict. He

showed a map and said there is no way this request will have any impact on Mr.

Benedict as it is on the other side of two buildings. He said the outdoor storage will face

Drane Field Road and a Lakeland Electric utility substation. He said it has been an

ongoing conversation with Mr. Benedict and he requested a favorable vote.

Upon question, Mr. Allen said there are some provisions for down lighting. He said the

Board will start to see dark sky lighting implemented in the Comprehensive Plan. He

said a lot of the projects they already are working on implements dark sky lighting. He

stated that they cannot control what Lakeland Electric wants and they are willing to

engage in it.

Commissioner Scott said it would be beneficial from they county's perspective to work

with Lakeland Electric. He discussed Highway 98 lighting and said it is a distraction.

Chair Santiago asked for Mr. Allen to help Mr. Benedict with communicating with

Lakeland Electric.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.2. Public Hearing (LDCPAS-2025-26 Natural Encounters CPA) (Adoption Hearing)

to consider the adoption of a Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Map

Amendment to change the Future Land Use (FLU) designation on 33 acres +/-

parcel from Agricultural/Residential Rural (A/RR) to Leisure/Recreation (L/R)) in

the Rural Development Area (RDA) with a Comprehensive Plan Text

Amendment to Section 2.135 Parcel Specific Future Land Use Map Amendment

with Conditions to reference the subject site has development conditions as part

of a LDC Text Amendment (LDCT-2025-18). (No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: Chanda Bennett, Land Development, presented this with Public Hearing Item

O.3. She reviewed the proposed map and text amendments. She showed the future

land use map and site pictures. She said that staff and the Planning Commission

recommended approval. She said this is compatible with the surrounding uses.

Upon question, Ms. Bennett said it is Recreational Camping and it would allow them to

stay overnight if it is has public water and a central collection system for wastewater.

The Chair opened a public hearing.

Bart Allen, applicant, discussed the background information on the applicant and said

they are world-renowned on training and rehabilitating animals. He gave an overview of

the site. He said that staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. He

requested Board approval. He said they are not open to the public at this time to sell

tickets; he said there are some classes and it is invitation only. He said the plan is to be

more open to the public. He said they will have more people on site.

Commissioner Scott said the facility is great and what they do is awesome. He thanked

them for doing this inside this county.

Mr. Allen said the applicant was recognized as one of the top influencers for animal

training. He said it is a nice asset for the county. He said it is operating today and future

changes with adding an additional building will require approval.

The Chair closed the public hearing.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Becky Troutman

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.3. Public Hearing (LDCT-2025-18 Natural Encounters LDC Text Amendment)

(Adoption Hearing) to add development conditions in Appendix E, Section E105

to limit the allowable uses on property subject to the Small Scale

Comprehensive Plan Map and Text amendment (LDCPAS-2025-25) from

Agricultural Residential Rural (A/RR) to Leisure Recreation (L/R) on 33 +/- acres

with a Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to Section 2.135 Parcel Specific

Future Land Use Map Amendment with Conditions to reference the subject site

has development conditions. (No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: This case was presented with the previous hearing.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Michael Scott

Bill Braswell

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.4. Public Hearing (LDCPAS-2025-17 Braddock & Berkley Rd NAC CPA

Amendment) (Adoption Hearing) to consider the adoption of a Small-Scale

Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the Future Land Use designation

on ±7.95 acres from Residential Low (RL) to Neighborhood Activity Center

(NAC) with a Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to Section 2.135 Parcel

Specific Future Land Use Map Amendment with Conditions to reference the

subject site has development conditions as part of a LDC Text Amendment

(LDCT-2025-19) to Appendix E. (No Fiscal Impact).

Minutes: Chanda Bennett, Land Development, showed slides and presented this with

Public Hearing Item O. 5. She showed aerial photos of the site. She discussed the road

medians and said that a median is 850 feet to the north and they can get to a median

opening where they can do a u-turn that including the distance she just mentioned is

1,850 feet to the north. She stated that driveway separations on urban collectors which

would be Braddock Road is 280 feet. She showed a map of the future land use and

discussed the allowable uses. She said the City of Auburndale sent a letter of

opposition noting that it is not compatible with residential development. She reviewed

the buffering requirements and the development standards. She said it is compatible

with the surrounding uses. She said that staff and the Planning Commission

recommended approval.

Upon question, Ms. Bennett showed where the existing driveway is on the map. She

said the idea is that there is cross access. She said it is broken into three pieces for the

LDC text amendment. She said you could access Block A through Block B. She said

the most intense use in Block C would be the conditional uses that require a Planning

Commission hearing which includes bars, lounges, taverns, and sit-down restaurants.

She clarified that drive-thrus are not permitted.

The Chair opened a public hearing.

Bart Allen, applicant, showed slides and reviewed the proposed land use change. He

discussed the Neighborhood Activity Center (NAC) plan and said this is looking at the

existing community. He said the demand is there for these types of uses. He said they

have the letter from the City of Auburndale and have met it 85-90% of the way and he

said that is a fair approach. He said they will be using the access on Braddock Road

and will be adding an access point off Berkeley Road. He said there will be cross

access among the blocks. He said they have external and internal landscaping and

buffering and a six foot opaque fence. He said they are limiting hours of operation and

when and where unloading can occur. He said they are implementing dark sky lighting

and monument signage. He said that staff and the Planning Commission

recommended approval. He requested Board approval.

Upon question, Mr. Allen said the monument sign would be on the ground and they are

committed to the down-lighting for the entire property.

Commissioner Braswell said overall it does not look like a bad idea but then we get

down to the inadequacies of the buffering requirements. He said you are going to have

a house next to a lit up parking lot with ten feet and two trees over 100 feet. He said

other states that have more restrictive buffering or where you can put a Walmart next to

a development and not know that the Walmart is there, it is one of those places we fall

short time and time again. He said this is going to be a stark difference of what is on

the corner, what is on the west side, and what is on the north side. He said adequate

buffering is what we require but it makes it incompatible from his standpoint. He said

while this is sold as a development on a corner of two four-lane roads, Braddock Road

if we did a traffic study this morning you would find that a dozen cars went down

Braddock Road. He said Braddock Road is a four-laned divided highway because

SunTrax needed a nice entrance coming off the parkway. He stated overall it is not a

bad idea, it works for Lake Myrtle and what is going on down there. He said it will be a

bright spot in the middle of a bunch of homes.

Mr. Allen said that there are limitations and they are limited to 24-foot high light sources

if they are within 30 feet of existing residential property. He said they do have

considerations for the height of lights and spillage. He said illumination shall be

shielded and directional and any spill shall not exceed 0.5 foot candles and shall be

consistent with dark sky lighting criteria. He said there are opacity requirements and

they have to achieve 80% opacity and he said there is special criteria that is

incorporated. He said they still have to meet the additional criteria in Chapter 3 of the

LDC. He said they are making sure that the development that occurs here meets all of

the standards and is sensitive to the existing folks. He said he suspects that

Auburndale's issue is with the gas station.

Commissioner Troutman said when she looks at this we see investment of public

dollars in widening of roads for bringing other things closer to this. She said we are in

the path of progress and it appears these were self-imposed limitations while thinking

about the process of this. She said he will be the first in the area but it appears more

growth is to come because of the investment of the public dollars.

Mr. Allen said this is the first of these in this area. He stated there is a tremendous

amount of interest in this area. He said while there may not be a lot of traffic on

Braddock Road there are a lot of cars on Berkeley Road. He said there are businesses

that want to locate at the intersection of Braddock and Berkeley Road. He said you will

see more folks moving here to get their businesses close to where they are living.

Commissioner Scott said the uses provided with Block B and Block C it allows a bar to

come in with a Level 3 Review in the future. He said that does not go with the

compatibility with the area with Block B and C being adjacent to residential and even

without that you have the sit down restaurant. He said when these sites get developed

because of different requirements on floor elevations and the use of the site they are

elevating the site from inches to several feet.

Upon question, Mr. Allen stated he will discuss with the applicant if there will be any fill.

He said the combination of height for lights but also the requirement that we cannot put

off any more than a 0.5 foot candles off the site regardless of the height of a street

light. He said they will have to submit a lighting plan that proves they are not in

violation. He said he agrees and it is not uncommon for a site to get raised.

Dorothea Taylor Bogert thanked the Board for their services. She said she is here as a

citizen on behalf of citizens. She said they will have to annex into Auburndale for

utilities and she believes one of the reasons they are doing this now is that their NAC

does not allow a gas station or drive-thru in this area because the citizens do not want

it. She said to not preempt the city to make a decision for the citizens because this will

become a part of Auburndale. She asked that this be denied and allow it go to the City

Commission to make that decision because all of this will be annexed to the city.

Upon question, Ms. Bogert said the biggest difference with the NAC is the city does not

allow drive-thrus or gas stations and she is not sure if convenience stores are a part of

that. She said low density was the agreement and growth was expected but this was

not something that was in the plan. She confirmed that if they want utilities they will

have to come to Auburndale. She said the other gas station is on Berkeley Road. She

said there is a little pocket of commercial in that area. She said the preference is that

the Tourism and Sports Marketing visitors use the food vendors on site. She said the

shell station that has a convenience store is about three minutes away and there is

also the Dollar General store. She said further on 92 there is more food.

Mark Harris said he has no need for a drive-thru or a gas station and he said there are

plenty of options within miles of his home. He said he would like it to match

aesthetically. He said he is concerned about light pollution on the lake and trail safety.

He suggested a wall.

Travis Avery said the collaboration with the county and Auburndale should be in place.

He said Auburndale does not allow for an opaque fence they ask for a solid wall. He

said they ask for a wall for a multitude of reasons and this is next to residential. He

requested that this go to the city and he would like to see collaboration with the county.

Mr. Allen spoke in response to public comment. He said the site is relatively flat and

they do not anticipate a tremendous amount of fill. He said the JPA was executed in

2009 and has not changed in 16 years. He stated the JPA was a vision document and

does not restrict the Board's authority for amendments. He said the JPA does not say

that everything in the area needs to be residential. He said the disputes are whether or

not there is a gas station or drive-thru and the opaque fence. He said they chose the

fence over the wall and they would be happy to agree to the exterior fencing becoming

a wall. He said the wall would be along the exterior boundary of the property.

Upon discussion, Mr. Allen stated they would not object to a seven foot wall.

Commissioner Scott stated that the shrubbery does not do anything for sound or

lighting if you are standing outside of your house.

Commissioner Troutman said if the property owner immediately adjacent was objecting

to any of this we would probably see or have heard from them. She said it is her

understanding they have not. She said we can do the things to protect as much as we

can but taking that into consideration to her is telling.

Commissioner Scott said he cannot speak to the homeowner if they wanted to be here

or not. He recommended an eight foot masonry wall to shield them.

Upon question, Mr. Allen said the gas station is not annexed to Auburndale. He said

water and sewer comes from the city. He said neither Denton nor Dixie is annexed.

Commissioner Braswell said the Shell station has been there before all this and with

this situation they are going to have to annex.

Mr. Allen said they agree to an eight-foot masonry wall.

Mr. Beasley said we took over 559 and the state took over Berkley. He said Braddock

is a county road.

The Chair closed the public hearing.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Rick Wilson

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Santiago, and Scott

Braswell

NAY:

O.5. Public Hearing (LDCT-2025-19 Berkley & Braddock Text Amendment) (Adoption

Hearing) to amend Appendix E, Section E105, Parcel Specific Comprehensive

Plan Amendments with Conditions on property subject to the Small Scale

Comprehensive Plan Map and Text Amendment (LDCPAS-2025-17) from

Residential Low (RL) to Neighborhood Activity Center (NAC) on 7.95 +/- acres

with a Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to Section 2.135 Parcel Specific

Future Land Use Map Amendment with Conditions to reference the subject site

has development conditions. (No Fiscal Impact)

Minutes: This case was presented with the previous hearing.

Motion for approval with the condition of an eight-foot masonry wall on the western and

the northern exterior property boundary an eight-foot masonry wall will be in place of a

six-foot opaque fence.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Michael Scott

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Santiago, and Scott

Braswell

NAY:

O.6. Public Hearing to consider Adoption of a Resolution Allowing for the Installation

of Four Traffic Calming Devices (Speed Humps) on Arizona Avenue, Near

Lakeland. (estimated $20,000.00 one-time expense)

Minutes: Amy Gregory, Traffic Manager, reviewed the proposed request for the

installation of four traffic calming devices on Arizona Avenue, near Lakeland. She said

that this meets the criteria for the traffic calming policy and meets the required approval

votes. She said that staff recommends approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Rick Wilson

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.7. Public Hearing to consider Adoption of a Resolution Allowing for the Installation

of Two Traffic Calming Devices (Speed Humps) on Jamestown Avenue, Near

Lakeland. (estimated $20,000.00 one-time expense)

Minutes: Amy Gregory, Traffic Manager, reviewed the proposed request for the

installation of four traffic calming devices on Jamestown Avenue, near Lakeland. She

said that this meets the criteria for the traffic calming policy and meets the required

approval votes. She said that staff recommends approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Rick Wilson

SECONDER:

AYE:

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.8. Public Hearing to consider Adoption of a Resolution Allowing for the Installation

of Two Traffic Calming Devices (Speed Humps) on Fox Creek Drive South, Near

Mulberry. (estimated $10,000.00 one-time expense)

Minutes: Amy Gregory, Traffic Manager, reviewed the proposed request for the

installation of four traffic calming devices on Fox Creek Drive South, near Mulberry.

She said that this meets the criteria for the traffic calming policy and meets the required

approval votes. She said that staff recommends approval.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Becky Troutman

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

O.9. Public Hearing to consider the sale of the Waverly Utility System (water and

wastewater) to the City of Lake Wales ($5,300,000.00 one-time revenue)

Minutes: Utilities Director Tamara Richardson showed slides and reviewed the sale of

the Waverly Utility System to the City of Lake Wales. She reviewed the permitted and

current use for the water and wastewater system. She discussed the sales purchase

agreement.

Deena Drumgo, Lake Wales, Assistant City Manager, thanked the Board for the

opportunity to partner on this project. She stated this is a mutually beneficial project for

all parties. She said the City Commission will meet tonight for their public hearing for

this. She said they are not expecting any opposition and she said this was heard last

week at a workshop.

The Chair opened a public hearing; no one spoke.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYE:

APPROVED

Bill Braswell

Michael Scott

Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott

REQUEST FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC/AUDIENCE AND OPPORTUNITY TO BE

HEARD

P.1. Becky Bywater to discuss Polk County Budget.

Minutes: Becky Bywater read a letter to the editor she submitted to the Lakeland

Ledger on the animal control facility. She asked why did the Sheriff return money back

to the Commissioners that could have been used for animal control needs. She said

there is no AC or heat in the facility and said it would be less than $1 million for this.

She asked for one of them to respond.

County Manager Bill Beasley said that it is typical that constitutionals with unspent

appropriations, money they did not spend or excess revenues, that they look

collectively where the biggest and highest priorities are. He said allocations typically are

in staffing, facility assets, equipment and training that those investments are made, but

that is usually a constitutional offices' call.

Ms. Bywater said that she has been told that people from the jail are coming to work.

Mr. Beasley said that the Sheriff does use inmate labor resources effectively across all

spectrums of county government.

Chair Santiago said when the money is given back it is because the Sheriff already

knows how we will reinvest that money into the public safety. She said they are not

giving it to us to utilize it. She said they already have improvement plans for safety.

P.2. Comments.

Minutes: Ailigh Vanderbush said we are the only voice for animals. She said they are

invested in Natural Encounters and it is the opposite with the animal shelter. She said

14,500 animals come to animal control and half of them die. She said we can reduce

the numbers without euthanasia. She said the governor is interested in spay and

neuter and managing breeders. She said to pull animal control from the Sheriff.

Commissioner Troutman clarified that no way is this Board invested financially with

Natural Encounters we simply heard a land use hearing with them today and we are

not one of their investors.

Catherine Riddle read an email she sent to the Sheriff's office regarding the animal

control facility.

Eve Salimbene said she is directing her comments to Randy Mink. She discussed cat

colony caregivers and code enforcement. She discussed implementing TNVR and

implementing humane animal processes.

Kay Bourque said we must stand up and speak up for a respectable animal welfare

program. She said they are requesting to collaborate with the Board and the Sheriff for

an animal welfare committee. She discussed the aspects the committee would focus

on.

Reinier Muwguia discussed implications with TNR and diseases with cats. He said that

cats continue to hunt when being fed. He asked who is responsible when a cat bites

someone. He discussed concerns with TNR and said they have to look at different

options.

Debbie Hicks said she is here for a new facility for animal control. She said everyday is

a miracle and she said it will be a miracle that anything happens. She wished them a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and she looks forward to seeing them in

January.

Sharon Garrett said she is here for the toll road. She said the state should not take

property that has been in longtime family holdings to benefit people who are going to

be here a short time. She discussed an alternative to the toll road. She said the state

has a lot of land and they should not be taking her property. She said that they do have

input with the toll authority. She said she has not shared the map with TPO.

Chair Santiago said for Mr. Beasley to share the map with TPO.

Shawna Davis said she is here for issues with a property that is behind her that has

truck parking. She said they do not have their permits. She said it has affected

everyone on their street and they are up all hours of the night with enclosed box trucks

and wrecked vehicles. She said they are getting fined but they do not have a cease

and desist.

Code Enforcement Director Autumn Fenton said they were brought to the hearing over

the summer. She stated they have a $35,000 lien imposed and a fine running of $375 a

day. She said they are working through a land development process for approvals and

they have site plans they are working on. She confirmed that they are continuing to

work without approval and are continuing to collect daily fines.

County Attorney Randy Mink said we can start looking at an injunction and they will

work with Code Enforcement to see what additional steps they can take.

Commissioner Scott said to check with SWFWMD or DEP to see if there is

environmental impacts to the wetlands.

James Abercrombie said they just had a meeting about Daughtery Road and there was

not one elected official at that meeting. He said no one was there, no recording, no

audio or visual. He said if he wants to take it to court and he has to get a complete

video. He said he has no way to do this and it is public record. He said they are going

to depend on what staff interprets what they talked about. He said the railroad is

interfering with the red light at Kathleen Road and Lake Deeson. He said they are

continuing to put development out there and there is no red light there.

Kristin Ahlberg said her heart is broken. She said she is reading a quote. She asked for

everyone in the room to be watched over and also the cats and dogs. She asked for

water, food, warmth, kindness and changes to be made. She said for 2026 to bring us

together.

Betty Jean Ammarell discussed animal control and a volunteer program. She said she

is willing to start the volunteer program.

Meeting adjourned at 12:23 p.m.