Polk County Board of County Commissioners  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
January 07, 2025 Regular BoCC meeting  
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CALL TO ORDER - 9:00 a.m. (RICK WILSON, CHAIR)  
INVOCATION  
Murphy Hanley, Polk County Fire Rescue Chaplain  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (RICK WILSON, CHAIR)  
C.  
REQUEST FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC/AUDIENCE AND OPPORTUNITY TO BE  
HEARD  
C.1. Comments.  
Minutes: LeRoy Mannien addressed the Board concerning the closure of Loyce E.  
Harpe Park. He thanked Commissioner Troutman for bringing this issue up for him last  
month. He discussed how this closure has affected his business. He said he had to let  
staff go. He said this one park has 10 amenities that this community uses 7 days a  
week. He asked that the county find another place for FEMA to store the hurricane  
debris. He asked about e-bikes and if the county would be putting in any regulations  
concerning e-bike usage on sidewalks, county roads, and in housing communities. He  
said that if they pursue this he would be able to give the county guidance. He said  
there are different classifications of what an e-bike is and how it can be used.  
Ken Henry, Regional Community Council, said their goal is to work with the county on  
areas of importance to the communities along Thompson Nursery Road. He said  
attending this meeting was not their preferred way of communicating with the Board.  
He discussed his letter that was sent to Chair Wilson in December, concerning their  
unanimous approval of proposal two that was proposed at the November 14, 2024,  
meeting. He said the goal was to meet with the county concerning this and the different  
options. He said they reached out to Roads and Drainage Director Jay Jarvis and the  
Board, but received no response. He said a golf cart path was never part of their  
agenda, they were in favor of a multi-use path. He said removing the bike path from the  
roadway is a safer option. He said it will bring more use of the recreational path. He  
said only 3 communities in this area are age restricted.  
Alex Vogt discussed his background as a civil engineer. He said multi-use paths  
provide a safer alternative and means of transportation. He addressed the Board  
concerning his discussions with Roads and Drainage Director Jay Jarvis and said Mr.  
Jarvis did not endorse the multi-use path. He said there are many more uses for a  
multi-use path than just golf carts. He said he disagrees with Mr. Jarvis. He discussed  
the bike path and said it is not safe on Thompson Nursery Road with the speed limit of  
50 mph. He said this is why a multi-use path is encouraged. He said they are safer for  
all users. He discussed the multi-use paths that are coming all over the county. He said  
there are state laws that encourage the use of multi-use paths and said the  
transportation system needs to accommodate all citizens.  
Linda Fife addressed the Board concerning the design issues that are facing the  
communities along Thompson Nursery Road. She discussed the safety issues on this  
road. She discussed the community meetings that they were invited to and encouraged  
to give feedback. She said public input serves no purpose if action is not taken by the  
Board. She said every community along this road deserves safe travels. She said  
option 2 supports the multi-use path. She discussed the schools in this area and the  
children that will be using this road. She said the bike path on a road with a speed limit  
of 45 mph is not safe. She asked that they please make the correct choice.  
Tom Palmer asked when the public will get an update on BS Ranch and Farm. He said  
the county has been spending a lot of money on restoration projects in the upper  
northeast for Peace River. He asked what will happen to all of the waste that is still out  
there because it is not far from Saddle Creek, which is a tributary. He discussed how it  
could affect the water quality.  
Chair Wilson said it has been shut down. He said they are in the process now of seeing  
what is going on. He said they are looking into this and once they get the answers they  
will let the public know.  
Mr. Palmer discussed septic tank haulers having a place to go.  
Chair Wilson said the septic tank waste is getting moved. He said they have not had to  
shut the county down.  
County Attorney Randy Mink said there will be a public hearing for all those who plan to  
speak about Grenelefe.  
Cassandra Richards said she is here to address the Board concerning dump trucks  
speeding on Freelander Road. She said she has spoken with FDOT and she will be  
working with them to get a light at Lewis Griffin Road and Highway 60. She said she  
agrees with Commissioner Braswell concerning the closure of roads for construction.  
She said changes are coming. She discussed the safety for children. She said Lewis  
Griffin Road does not affect a residential neighborhood. She asked the Board to make  
Freeland Road a non-collector road. She asked for the Board's help.  
Glenn Lawhorn addressed the Board concerning the process between the applicant  
and the petitioner for public input. He said it is very one sided. He said the applicant  
gets the floor for however long they want and the public only gets 3 minutes to address  
their issues. He asked if there is any way to change that process. He said they need  
more discussion time.  
Commissioner Braswell said he has advocated since day one for citizens to come meet  
with the Commissioners and discuss their issues. He said he has found that he learns  
more that way than when people discuss them at public hearings. He said it is much  
better to schedule a time to meet with the Commissioners. He said sitting down with  
people prior to meetings and discussing the issues gets a lot done.  
Mr. Lawhorn discussed the Grenelefe de novo hearing in 2008. He said most people  
don't know they can come meet with the Commissioners.  
Chair Wilson said anyone can make an appointment to speak with them. He said there  
is a lot that can be gained by coming to the Commissioners' office and speaking with  
them.  
D.  
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA  
D.1. Approve Consent Agenda.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Martha Santiago  
Bill Braswell  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
E.  
COUNTY COMPTROLLER (STACY M. BUTTERFIELD, CPA)  
E.1. Disbursements.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Martha Santiago  
Michael Scott  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
E.2. Minutes of Regular Board meeting held on December 17, 2024.  
Minutes: Polk County Clerk of Court Stacy M. Butterfield said she will begin her 4th  
term today. She said it is a privilege to serve in this role and honored the community  
has entrusted here with this responsibility. She said she loves her job. She discussed  
the Investiture Ceremony being held today to swear in the constitutional officers. She  
encouraged everyone to watch on PGTV.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Martha Santiago  
Michael Scott  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
G.  
COUNTY ATTORNEY (RANDY MINK)  
G.1. Adopt Resolution Denying the Road Closure of Lake Marion Creek Road and  
Prohibiting County Road Closures Without the Board of County Commissioners  
Approval.  
Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink reviewed the resolution denying the road  
closure of Lake Marion Creek Road and prohibiting county road closures without the  
Board's approval. He said the resolution will prohibit road closures exceeding 5 days.  
He said the resolution exempts out emergency situations. He recommended approval.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Bill Braswell  
Martha Santiago  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
H.  
COUNTY MANAGER (BILL BEASLEY)  
H.1. Approve a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant  
Agreement #B-24-CP-FL-0609, associated resolution, CIP Amendment and  
budget transfer to amend the budget for unanticipated revenue for the FDC  
Grove Road / North Ridge Trail Flyover. ($6,000,000.00 one-time unanticipated  
revenue)  
Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the U.S. Department of Housing and  
Urban Development (HUD) Grant Agreement #B-24-CPFL-0609, associated resolution,  
CIP Amendment and budget transfer to amend the budget for unanticipated revenue  
for the FDC Grove/North Ridge Trail Flyover. He recommended approval.  
Upon question, Mr. Beasley said Congressman Webster was a strong advocate in  
support of the appropriations.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Becky Troutman  
Bill Braswell  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
H.2. Approve a Federal-Funded Grant Agreement with the U.S. Department of  
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant Agreement #B-24-CP-FL-0651,  
associated resolution, CIP Amendment and budget transfer to amend the  
budget for unanticipated revenue for sidewalks in the Poinciana Community.  
($850,000.00 one-time unanticipated revenue)  
Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the Federal-Funded Grant  
Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant  
Agreement #B-24-CP-FL-0651, associated resolution, CIP Amendment and budget  
transfer to amend the budget for unanticipated revenue for sidewalks in the Poinciana  
Community. He recommended approval.  
Upon question, Mr. Beasley said this appropriation is from Congressman Soto.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Martha Santiago  
Bill Braswell  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
H.3. Approve professional services agreements with both WSP USA and  
Kimley-Horn and Associates for the North Rifle Range Road Drainage &  
Sidewalk Improvement Project and Inwood Drainage Improvement Project  
(Wahneta and Inwood). ($314,979.00 (Wahneta) one-time expense and  
$130,375.00 (Inwood) one-time expense)  
Minutes: County Manager Bill Beasley discussed the professionals services  
agreement with both WSP USA and Kimely-Horn and Associated for the North Rifle  
Range Road Drainage & Sidewalk Improvement Project and Inwood Drainage  
Improvement Project. He recommended approval.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Becky Troutman  
Bill Braswell  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
I.  
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1 (BECKY TROUTMAN)  
I.1. Commissioner Troutman Comments.  
Minutes: Commissioner Troutman thanked Marsha Faux and Lori Edwards for their  
decades of service to Polk County. She congratulated Blair Allen for being the first  
female public defender elected in Polk County.  
J.  
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 (BILL BRASWELL)  
J.1. Appoint Chad Tagtow as a Member (Seat 5) of the Polk County Industrial  
Development Authority, for the three-year term, January 23, 2025 through  
January 22, 2028.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Bill Braswell  
Martha Santiago  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
J.2. Commissioner Braswell Comments.  
Minutes: Commissioner Braswell had no comments at this time.  
K.  
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4 (MARTHA SANTIAGO)  
K.1. Appoint Russel “Rusty” L. Mouton, II as Member No. 8 of the Industrial  
Development Authority, for the three-year term, January 23, 2025, to January  
22, 2028.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Martha Santiago  
Bill Braswell  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
K.2. Commissioner Santiago Comments.  
Minutes: Commissioner Santiago had no comments at this time.  
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 (MICHAEL SCOTT)  
L.  
L.1. Commissioner Scott Comments.  
Minutes: Commissioner Scott discussed communication with the Board. He discussed  
the de novo process that he was involved in with the Board prior to running for  
Commissioner. He said it can be very rewarding and enlightening. He encouraged  
those in the community to take ownership of their issues and meet with the Board. He  
said there is a clear path of communication with the Board. He said the county has  
done a great job with communication. He discussed the road closure and said they  
want to do what is best for the county.  
M.  
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2 (RICK WILSON, CHAIR)  
M.1. Chair Wilson Comments.  
Minutes: Chair Wilson had no comments at this time.  
EXPEDITED HEARINGS PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 2022-089  
O.  
Minutes: County Attorney Randy Mink reminded the public of the procedures of  
expedited hearings and public hearings. He swore in those that plan to speak.  
O.1. Public Hearing (LDCPAL-2024-4 Spirit Lake Text CPA) (Adoption Hearing) to  
consider the adoption of a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment to  
change Future Land Use Element Policy 2.113-C3 in Objective 2.113-C Office  
Centers, to allow for the establishment of new Office Centers (OC) next to  
Commercial Enclaves (CE).  
Minutes: Erik Peterson, Land Development, showed slides and reviewed the proposed  
plan text amendment. He recommended approval.  
Chair Wilson opened a public hearing; no one spoke.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Michael Scott  
Becky Troutman  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
O.2. Public Hearing (LDCPAS-2024-3 Spirit Lake OC CPA) (Adoption Hearing) to  
consider the adoption of an applicant-initiated Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan  
Map Amendment to change the Future Land Use (FLU) designation from  
Residential-Low (RL) to Office Center (OC) on .44 acres. (No Fiscal Impact)  
Minutes: Erik Peterson, Land Development, showed slides and reviewed the proposed  
map amendment. He said the Planning Commission and staff recommend approval.  
Chair Wilson opened a public hearing; no one spoke.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Bill Braswell  
Martha Santiago  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
O.3. Public Hearing (LDCT-2024-26 As-Builts/Record Drawings and Appendix A  
Revisions) (First Reading) to consider the adoption of a County-initiated LDC  
Text amendment to multiple sections of the Land Development Code to clarify,  
document, and improve ways to install infrastructure and prepare development  
sites for residential and commercial construction projects. (First Reading)  
Minutes: Erik Peterson, Land Development, showed slides and reviewed the proposed  
text amendment. He said this is a first reading and not action is required.  
Chair Wilson opened a public hearing; no one spoke.  
P.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS  
P.1. Public Hearing (LDCT-2024-27 SR 60 & Boy Scout Road RCC ACP Text  
Amendment) (First Reading) to consider the adoption of a joint County and  
applicant-initiated ordinance amending the Land Development Code. The  
applicant has asked for this case to be continued to February 4, 2025. No  
Fiscal Impact.  
Minutes: Mr. Mink said there has been a request to continue this item to February 2,  
2025.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
CONTINUED  
Bill Braswell  
Becky Troutman  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
P.2. Public Hearing (LDCPAL 2024-6 Grenelefe UEA Comp Plan Text CPA)  
(Adoption Hearing) to consider a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Text  
Amendment to Section 2.130-E1 Grenelefe Utility Enclave Area (UEA) revising  
land use and development totals and related policies for property designated  
Residential Low-X (RLX), Residential Medium-X (RMX), Residential High-X  
(RHX), Tourist Commercial Center-X (TCCX), Development of Regional  
Impact-X (DRIX), add location criteria for Neighborhood Activity Center-X  
(NACX), and remove the requirement for a Planned Development. This case is  
related to a Comprehensive Plan map amended (LDCPAL-2024-5) on 526±  
acres. LDCT-2024-10 is a companion Land Development Code Text  
Amendment. (No Fiscal Impact)  
Minutes: Chanda Bennett, Land Development, she said items P.3 and P.4 will be  
heard during the public hearing for P.2. She discussed the proposed text and map  
amendments. She reviewed the publications and evidence that will be entered into the  
record. She showed slides and discussed the site location. She gave background  
information concerning Grenelefe's history. She reviewed the Built Out Agreement from  
2008. She said in 2009 a PD was submitted and approved but it has now expired; she  
reviewed what was approved at that time. She said this amendment takes the unit total  
and spreads it out along the golf course area. She reviewed the existing Future Land  
Use (FLU) map and the proposed FLU map. She reviewed the proposed amendments  
and limitations. She said the proposed amendments will be a reduction in water and  
sewer. She discussed the traffic study requirements and said it was added because  
this area was previously a Development of Regional Impact (DRI). She said staff and  
the Planning Commission recommend approval.  
Upon questions from Commissioners, Ms. Bennett discussed the area around the  
existing golf course and the density and unit types for the existing homes around the  
golf course. She said most of the unit types are attached. She confirmed this is not  
coming in as a PD but the developer will adhere to the proposed standards. She said  
the Smokey Groves area is not part of this application so it was not directly analyzed.  
She said with the reduction of sewer and water there is plenty of capacity for Smokey  
Groves and Grenelefe.  
Bart Allen, representing the applicant, introduced the parties present with him today.  
He discussed the projects timeline with the Planning Commission and the Board. He  
thanked staff and acknowledge Robert Bolton in the Planning Division for his work on  
this project. He reviewed the procedural timeline and approvals of this project and said  
it has been a good process. He discussed the public engagement concerning this  
project and said they have had several meetings. He commended Mr. House for his  
effort and for being engaged with this project. He said this area does have capacity for  
what is being proposed today, the existing homes and for Smokey Groves. He  
discussed the investments that have been made to utilities in the past year. He said  
they are working on upgrading the wastewater plant in a 3 phase implementation to  
meet the standards and will be completed by 2025. He reviewed the 3 land use  
entitlement changes they are requesting. He said any extraordinary changes such as  
an amendment to unit count will require Board approval. He said this is a unique  
requirement and does not exist anywhere else in the county's Comp Plan or Land  
Development Code. He said this proposal is less intense than what is already approved  
today, allows for the development to be spread out more, and leaves the existing 9  
hole golf course. He said the proposal is less intense on water and sewer, roads, and  
meets all of the PD requirements. He said it is consistent with the surrounding area,  
Comp Plan, and the Land Development Code. He said they will be implementing a very  
enhanced amenity package. He said they are exceeding the PD open space  
requirements.  
Mr. Mink confirmed with Mr. Allen that he will be incorporating his presentation of the  
previous hearing into today's hearing.  
Upon questions from Commissioners, Mr. Allen reviewed what is currently approved for  
this area and the number of units and amenities allowed if these amendments are not  
approved today. He showed the areas where they could develop. He discussed the PD  
that was approved in 2009 and future developments. He addressed the boil water  
notices in the area. He said whenever there are any enhancements and repairs to the  
system they required to turn parts of the system off. He said the boil water notices are  
required. He said new developments will be on their own system. He said the bid for  
the smart reader technology is already out; he said it will be for new and existing  
homes. He said they will continue to see investment into the infrastructure. He  
discussed the timeline of the added amenities, sidewalks and walking trails. He said he  
has not thought through all the ownership and how that will function at this time. He  
said he does not see any significant changes and it is all it is all regulated by the Public  
Service Commission (PSC).  
Chair Wilson opened a public hearing.  
Fayette Carpenter said she is here to show her support for this project. She discussed  
the developments that will are coming into the county. She said the Grenelefe  
community is different from the ones coming in. She said the back roads used to be all  
orange groves. She said she is excited about this project because in 2002 Grenelefe  
was a glorious community.  
Glenn Lawhorn said this is still a bad idea. He discussed the road on Lake Marion  
Road and said it is not consistent with the surrounding land uses. He discussed the  
roads in this area and the traffic issues. He said he does not see how they can approve  
this in good conscience. He said this was a golf course and he used to work there as a  
teenager. He said changing this from a golf course to a development is not a good  
idea. He said the consistency and density is not reflected as to what is really out there.  
He asked that the Board deny this. He said the PD has already expired and needs to  
be resolved before this moved forward.  
Catherine Tidwell asked that the Board vote yes on these amendments. She said she  
appreciates her neighbors concerns but as Grenelefe owners they are in support of this  
project. She asked that this be approved and allow this project to move forward.  
Robert Lewis asked that the proposed amendments be adopted. He said this  
community stands behind this redevelopment plan stronger than ever. He said Scott  
House and his staff, county staff, and the residents have worked tirelessly to bring this  
plan before the Board. He discussed the reasons they support this plan. He said they  
know there will be challenges. He said this will only get worse if this is not approved.  
Dave Venturini said he is new to this community. He discussed his construction  
company background and asked what will be put in place for the existing citizens while  
construction is in progress. He said this is a strong community and they like it. He said  
they moved from Orlando and he does not want Polk County to become like that.  
Mr. Allen said the PD has expired but it does not change the entitlements that were  
already incorporated in the Comp Plan. He discussed Lake Marion Road and the  
surrounding compatibility. He said the best management practices during the design  
and construction process will be implemented. He said they have established an open  
line of communication and anticipated that will continue. He thanked the Board and  
staff for their time and work. He requested approval.  
Upon question, Mr. Allen said this will probably a 5 -10 year build out. He said it will  
also be market driven.  
Chair Wilson closed the public hearing.  
Commissioner Troutman discussed her time on the Planning Commission and said she  
has never seen a room filed with so much support. She commended the applicant for  
working with the residents. She said she appreciated how this is laid out; she said it is  
not a PD but this provides reassurances to the citizens that the word will be kept. She  
said this is a very good way to provide safety to both sides.  
Commissioner Santiago discussed how the current developments are being built. She  
discussed the Grenelefe community and encouraged the Board to keep them in mind  
for future projects. She said she wants to see the line of communication kept open.  
She said she enjoyed Grenelefe in the 80's and 90's.  
Commissioner Scott discussed the PD and said it being expired does not negate it  
being developed.  
Ms. Bennett said the PD approval was for the design of the site plan and since it is  
expired they would need to do a new PD process.  
Commissioner Braswell said he does not like the idea of building homes on golf  
courses, because it seems unfair to the people who paid a premium to live on a golf  
course and will see there values diminished. He said it is tough but he will support this.  
He said it is a dilemma for the people living on the golf course. He said the only thing  
that is convincing him to vote in favor of this is because Mr. House has bent over  
backwards for the community. He said he has gone above and beyond with the public.  
He said he does not like voting for homes on golf courses but he is.  
Chair Wilson said he will be in support of this.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Bill Braswell  
Becky Troutman  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
P.3. Public Hearing (LDCT-2024-10 Grenelefe UEA LDC Text Amendment)  
(Adoption Hearing) amending Chapter 4, Special District, Section 402,  
Development of Regional Impact and Pre-Development of Regional Impact, and  
Utility Enclave Areas, revising introductory statements in Section 402, F.  
Grenelefe Utility Enclave Area (UEA), revising development standards for all  
land use districts in the Grenelefe UEA use Table 4.26, revising residential lot  
standards in Table 4.27, revising references to short term rentals, adding a  
general land development plan, and other related changes. This case has a  
companion Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment (LDCPAL-2024-6) and  
related Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendment  
(LDCPAL-2024-5). (No Fiscal Impact)  
Minutes: This item was heard with item P.2 LDCPAL 2024-76 Grenelefe UEA Comp  
Plan.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Bill Braswell  
Martha Santiago  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
P.4. Public Hearing (LDCPAL-2024-5 Grenelefe DRI CPA) (Adoption Hearing) to  
consider the adoption of a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment to  
change the Future Land Use designation on 526+/- acres from  
Tourism-Commercial Center-X (TCCX), and Development of Regional Impact-X  
(DRIX) to Residential Low-X (RLX), Residential Medium-X (RMX), and  
Neighborhood Activity Center-X (NACX). This case is related to a  
Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment (LDCPAL-2024-6) and Land  
Development Code Text Amendment (LDCT-2024-10). (No Fiscal Impact)  
Minutes: This item was held with item P.2 LDCPAL 2024-76 Grenelefe UEA Comp  
Plan.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Becky Troutman  
Bill Braswell  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
P.5. Public Hearing (LDCDD-2024-6 / Grenelefe CDD) to consider the adoption of an  
applicant-initiated ordinance to establish a new Community Development District  
(CDD) within the unincorporated area of Polk County. (No fiscal impact)  
Minutes: Erik Peterson, Land Development, discussed the Grenelefe Community  
Development District (CDD). He said it is consistent with the Comp Plan. He discussed  
the site location; he said this is for a new development. He reviewed the water and  
wastewater connections. He said staff recommends approval.  
Jere Earlywine with Kutak Rock discussed his prior presentations before the Board  
concerning the Smokey Grove CDD; he said this is an extension of that CDD. He said  
they were previously filed together but they split them due to the land uses traveling  
separately. He discussed the buffer walls and said the CDD will be able to provide the  
enhancements. He said a CDD allows them to put in better quality improvements and  
projects. He explained what a CDD is and how it is better than a HOA. He said there  
has never been a debt or obligation from a CDD that has become city or county  
obligation. He said they have clearly met all of the criteria. He requested approval.  
Chair Wilson opened a public hearing.  
Glenn Lawhorn said CDDs are bad. He said is takes the element of risk from the  
developer and put it on those that buy bonds. He said he does not like them and knows  
that several of the Commissioners have expressed that they do not like them. He  
encouraged the Board to have the developer fund this himself. He said if this goes  
under he has no skin in the game.  
Mr. Earlywine said CDDs are a good thing. He said there are over 80 in Polk County.  
He said these projects look amazing because there is extra money. He said the money  
cost less; he said it allows them to be able to put in the infrastructure and spread it out  
over a 30 year period. He said it is a smart way to do the financing for a project.  
Upon question, Mr. Earlywine said any project can fail. He discussed the developments  
that failed in the recession. He said a CDD project is more capable of responding to the  
failure. He said there is construction money set forth up front for the project. He said  
with a CDD the money is not sitting in a developer's pocket. He reviewed the  
advantages of having a CDD.  
Chair Wilson closed the public hearing.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Bill Braswell  
Becky Troutman  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
P.6. Interlocal Agreement (Grenelefe Improvements / Grenelefe CDD) between Polk  
County and the Grenelefe Community Development District assuring the  
follow-through of commitments made by the petitioner for the Grenelefe CDD.  
(No fiscal impact)  
Minutes: Erik Peterson, Land Development, reviewed the Interlocal Agreement  
between Polk County and the Grenelefe Community Development District assuring the  
follow-through of commitments made by the petitioner for the Grenelefe CDD.  
Chair Wilson opened a public hearing; no one spoke.  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
AYE:  
APPROVED  
Becky Troutman  
Michael Scott  
Troutman, Wilson, Braswell, Santiago, and Scott  
ANNOUNCEMENTS  
Minutes: Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting at 10:51 a.m.