REPORTS
16.
Executive Director's Report
Minutes: Mr. Kordek discussed the meetings TPO staff have participated in recently, including
the Four Corners Council on August 22nd, an FDOT US 27 Workshop on September 18th, the
Central Florida MPO Alliance (CFMPOA) meeting is tomorrow October 10th, and he
encouraged the TPO’s CFMPOA members to attend the meeting in Orlando. Upcoming
meetings include an Envision 2050 TPO public workshop on October 15th, an Envision 2050
workshop with the Bartow City Commission in November, and a public workshop to discuss the
Polk Vision Zero Action Plan in Winter Haven on October 28th.
Lastly, Mr. Kordek announced that Julia Davis, TPO Transportation Planning Administrator, is
retiring. She has a long a decorated planning career and has worked for the Polk TPO since
2017.
Commissioner Robert McCarley thanked Julia Davis for her service and asked other board
members to present Ms. Davis with a plaque from Citrus Connection.
Julia Davis gave a short speech and thanked the Board for their support through the years.
17.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Report
Attachments:
Minutes: Edith Perez, FDOT, shared that FDOT’s Safe Routes to School application cycle is
open till January 31st , 2026, FDOT will be holding a webinar for Polk Trails on October 15th
from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. registration is required, also an in person public meeting for State
Road 563 median modification is scheduled for October 16th at 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The
Office of Policy Planning has scheduled an FMPP meeting for October 22nd and the MPOAC
meeting will be on October 23rd. District One is working on the Draft Five Year Work Program;
there will be in person and virtual meetings on October 24th at both Bartow and Fort Myers
FDOT offices. October is Pedestrian Safety month, and White Cane Day is on October 24th
where we celebrate the vision impaired and raise awareness for their safety and Buckle Up
Phone Down Day is October 25th.
18.
Opportunity for Public Comment
Minutes: Commissioner Roberts McCarley opened the floor for public comment.
Barb Girtman of Ghyabi Consulting and Management shared a public meeting will be held on
November 18th at 5:30 p.m. in Kissimmee at the Reunion Resort and Golf Club for the Move
Florida Forward projects phases one, two, and five.
Commissioner Roberts McCarley closed public comment.
19.
Board Member Comments
Minutes: Commissioner Roberts McCarley opened the floor for board comments.
Commissioner Madden advocated for the bicycler’s safety in the Lakeland Highlands area and
in particular the need for a route or path between Lakeland Highlands Scrub and Carter Road
