CITY COMMISSION MEETING HAINES CITY, FLORIDA

MINUTES

Thursday, May 02, 2024 at 7:00 P.m. - 8:00 P.m.

City Hall Commission Chambers

620 E. Main Street, Haines City, FL 33844

Phone: [phone] Web: hainescity.com

Present:

• Commissioner, Anne Huffman
• Commissoner Morris West
• Vice-Mayor, Omar Arroyo
• Commissioner, Vernel Smith
• Commissioner, Kim Downing

Staff in Attendance:

• City Manager, James Elensky
• City Attorney, Fred Reilly
• City Clerk, Sharon Lauther
• Erica Sanchez

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Mayor called the City Commission Meeting to order at 7:09 PM on May 2, 2024, in the City Commission Chambers, located at 620 E Main Street, Haines City, FL.

2.

INVOCATION

Pastor Alex Lanzo from New Horizon Methodist Church provided the invocation.

3.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Mayor led the pledge of allegiance.

4.

PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

4.a

Oath of Office - Newly Elected Commissioner

City Clerk Lauther conducted the swearing in for Morris L. West- Seat #3 and Kim Downing- Seat #4.  Commissioners West and Downing thanked the residents for coming out voting for them respectively on Election Day and returning as well for the Run-off election.

 

Attorney Lawson stated that the consensus of the commission to hear Item 4c first.

*** It was noted that item 4(c) needed to be heard first and then item 4 (b)***  The Mayor is selected first and then the Vice-Mayor.

4.b

Reorganization of the City Commission - Vice Mayor

Commissioner Huffman made the motion for Commissioner West to serve as Vice-Mayor, seconded by Commissioner Downing.  All voted yes.  Motion passed unanimously.  Mayor Arroyo conducted a roll call vote-

Commissioner Huffman- yes

Commissioner Smith- yes

Commissioner Downing- yes

Commissioner West- yes

Mayor Arroyo- yes

4.c

Reorganization of the City Commission - Mayor

Commissioner West made the motion for Commissioner Arroyo to serve as Mayor, seconded by Commissioner Downing.

Commissioner West- yea

Commissioner Huffman-yea

Commissioner Arroyo- yea

Commissioner Downing-yea

Commissioner Smith-nay

Motion passed 4-1

Newly appointed Mayor Arroyo thanked everyone for the support.

5.

CONSENT AGENDA

Discussion at the dais.  Mayor Arroyo opened the public 

• Moved by Anne Huffman
  Seconded by Morris West

  Approve consent as a whole.

  Carried Unanimously

5.a

Advisory Board Application

5.b

Advisory Board Application

5.c

Minutes to Be Accepted

5.d

Cemetery Deeds

5.e

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 24-01 Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

• The ERC recommends the City Commission award the bid to Vogel Bros. Building Co.

6.

NEW BUSINESS

6.a

Ordinance 24-2070 – Major Modification to the Latigo Sandhill Shores RPUD f/k/a Feltrim Landings

April Brown, Planning Manager presented Ordinance 24-2070. Discussion took place. Mayor Arroyo opened the public hearing. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed.  At this time Vice-Mayor West introduced Ordinance 24-2070.  Attorney Mark Lawson read the ordinance into the record.

• Moved by Morris West
  Seconded by Anne Huffman

  On March 11, 2024, the Planning Commission approved the recommendation of forwarding this item to the City Commission for their approval with the following conditions:

  1. Satisfy all outstanding TRB comments including approved traffic study prior to Preliminary Plat approval.

  2.No parking shall be permitted on roadways and shall be stated in the Homeowners’ Association documents and any other association documents of the development. Further, signs shall be placed throughout the project for enforcement.

  3.Any street trees shall not be removed and shall be stated in the Homeowners’ Association documents and any other association documents of the development

  4. Non-binding School Concurrency letter needs to be received prior to Site Construction Plan approval.

  5.All other requirements set forth in Ordinance No. 22-2014 and the LDRs shall be made part of this Ordinance No. 24-2070.

  6.6’ high capped masonry wall, measured from the crown of the road, shall be installed along Sand Hill Road and FDC Grove Road.

  7.The final approval of the traffic study from Polk County, regarding any off-site improvements that may be required on Sand Hill Road and/or FDC Grove Road. shall be received and reviewed by City Staff prior to the Preliminary Plat being brought to the Planning Commission and City Commission for approval.

  Carried Unanimously

6.b

Ordinance No. 24-2073 – Congdon Townhomes Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD) Minor Modification

April Brown, Planning Manager presented Ordinance No. 24-2073.  Discussion took place. Renny Heath, developer from the Cassidy group gave an explanation of the lot dimensions and living area space for the townhomes. Mayor Arroyo opened the public hearing.  Ella Oneal- 4601 Carl Boozer Road stated concern over the traffic concerns with the increase of developments occurring. There is too much traffic on Power Line Road. No one else came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed.  At this time, Commissioner Huffman introduced Ordinance No. 24-2073.  Attorney Lawson read the ordinance into the record.

• Moved by Anne Huffman
  Seconded by Morris West

  Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 24-2073, a Minor Modification to the Residential Planned Unit Development for Congdon Townhomes on first reading as follows:

  1. The minimum living area is to be reduced to 1,499 square feet within Congdon Townhomes.
  2. All other conditions of the RPUD shall remain in effect as stated in Ordinance No. 21-1733.
  Carried Unanimously

6.c

Resolution No. 24-1786 – Holly Hill Commercial Preliminary Plat

April Brown, Planning Manager presented Resolution No. 24-1786.  Discussion took place.  Mayor Arroyo opened the public hearing.  No one came forward and the public hearing was closed.  Vice-Mayor West introduced Resolution No. 24-1786.  Attorney Lawson read the resolution into the record.

• Moved by Morris West
  Seconded by Anne Huffman

  Staff recommends approval by the City Commission for the Holly Hill Commercial Preliminary Plat to accommodate commercial development with the following condition:

  1. Traffic study is finalized and approved by the city consultant before site construction and final plat review and approval.
  Carried Unanimously

7.

PUBLIC COMMENTS - REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Betty White 2103 Blossom Court, Haines City, FL- Ms. White expressed that she wanted to see more exposure for Haines City in the local Art-i-facts book that is distributed.  The City Manager advised that Parks and Recreation Director, Terrell Griffin will see that City events are featured.  Director Griffin gave an update on the name plate and stated some direction is needed in where exactly to place the proper signage.  Mayor Arroyo asked Director Griffin to place the item on the agenda and have suggestions for the Commission.

Calvin Yadav- 109 Flora Drive, Haines City, FL- Mr. Yadav has concerns regarding illegal dumping occurring. Mr. Yadav is asking for a gate to deter against trespassers.  This would safeguard his family and children safety.  Discussion took place.  Attorney Lawson stated there are some statutory limitations that need to be followed.  At this time James Keene, Public Services Administrator stated that a vacating of the Right of Way can be accomplished.

Ella O'Neal- 4601 Carl Boozer Road, Haines City, FL- inquired about getting a traffic light at Powerline Road.  Ms. O'Neal is in the County and was told that a traffic study is needed.  

 

8.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

City Manager Elensky congratulated incumbent Commissioner Morris L. West and newcomer Commissioner Kimberly Downing.  Update was given on Chili's construction and update on Aldi's expansion.

9.

CITY CLERK'S REPORT

City Clerk Lauther extended congratulations to the new Commissioners.  City Clerk Lauther discussed a date for a new group photo to be taken of the Commission. 

10.

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT

11.

COMMISSION COMMENTS

Commissioner Huffman- congratulated both the Commissioners on their election wills.  Congratulations given to the Haines City Police Department and the outreach that was done for Autism Awareness Month. Congratulations on making history as the first Hispanic Mayor of Haines City.  Commissioner Huffman announced that Tuesday, May 7, 2024 @ 6:00 PM there will be a workshop

Commissioner Downing- thanks to all of the residents who voted in the general and run-off election.  Commissioner Downing promises to do her best to represent the city with integrity, accountability and transparency. 

Commissioner Smith- Congratulations to the Commissioners on their seats and congratulations to Mayor Arroyo on making history.

Vice-Mayor/Commissioner West- Congratulations to the Commissioners. Vice-Mayor West stated that the Commission is committed to the growth of Haines City.  At times, it is hard at times, but along with his colleagues the number one priority is the residents.  Vice-Mayor notified everyone that he along with the Economic Development Council will be touring the Industrial Park on Monday, May 6, 2024.  A small business development roundtable is occurring on May 23, 2024 as well.  An update of the PRWC (Polk Regional Water Cooperative).

Mayor Arroyo- congratulations was given to the Commissioners on their respective-- This Sunday

12.

ADJOURNMENT

Without any further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.