Highlands County public meetings in 2022

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on several zoning and land use amendments. The body is also deciding on budget amendments for public safety staffing, infrastructure repairs, and emergency dispatch equipment.

• Agreement with Motorola Solutions for dispatch console equipment totaling $1,694,759.00 using ARPA funds
• Funding of up to $110,497.93 for pickleball courts at Charlie Brown Park
• Change order of $45,650.00 for culvert replacement on W. Stryker Road
• Public hearing for zoning change of 18.29 acres from Agriculture to Industrial (P&Z 2116)
• Tourist Development Grants of $10,000.00 for Sebring Soda Festival and $17,250.00 for Sunshine State Clubs Championship

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss funding for an 80-unit rental development and review several tourism grants. The meeting includes a public hearing on agricultural worker housing regulations and the closure of an alley at 91 Atherton Ave NW.

• Proposed $340,000 commitment for Avon Park Apartments at 911 W. State Street
• Public hearing on Land Development Regulations for Agricultural Worker Housing
• Tourist Development Grants: $6,000 for Citrus Golf Trail Ladies Invitational, $13,974 for Spartan Race, and $2,291 for GFNY Florida Sebring
• Resolution 22-23-33 to close a 20-foot alley at 91 Atherton Ave NW
• Budget Amendment 22-23-025 to allocate FDOT revenue to Project 22011 Highway Lighting

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is discussing a temporary residential motor home accommodation permit program for those with structural damage from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. The body is also reviewing several budget amendments and a grant support letter for broadband expansion.

• Resolution 22-23-31: Temporary residential motor home (RV) accommodation permit program for Hurricane Ian and Nicole damage
• Budget Amendment 22-23-021: Rollover of $12,073,558.42 in encumbrances from FY 21/22 to FY 22/23
• Letter of support for Glades Electric Cooperative and Conexon Connect's Florida Broadband Opportunity Program Grant
• Resolution 22-23-29: Appropriation of $149,484.73 VOCA grant funds for the Sheriff's Office
• Budget Amendment 21-22-143: $344,942.00 increase for Clerk of Courts FY 21-22 yearend cleanup

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of County Commissioners is considering two budget amendments for various Special Benefit Districts. One proposal would roll over $68,814.91 in encumbrances from the 2021/22 fiscal year to 2022/23, while the other involves item-to-item transfers for reporting purposes with no net fiscal impact.

• Resolution 22-23-28: Budget Amendment 22-23-022 to rollover $68,814.91 in encumbrances
• Budget Amendment 21-22-145: Item-to-item transfers between capital project accounts for GASB 34 reporting ($0.00 net impact)

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will swear in two commissioners and elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. The meeting includes public hearings on several land use amendments and zoning changes, as well as budget appropriations for infrastructure and grants.

• Budget amendment of $3,000,000 for Spring Lake Airport Station 20 study
• Grant of up to $65,000 per year (2023-2025) for GFNY Florida Sebring Cycling
• Appropriation of $107,415.81 for Landfill JD 850 Dozer repair
• Public hearing for zoning change of 13.12 acres to Multiple-Family Dwelling (R-3 PD) for senior housing
• Public hearing for zoning change of 28.48 acres to Multiple-Family Dwelling (R-3 PD) for 'The Farm'

Meeting of the Districts

The meeting is primarily procedural. The Board of Supervisors is requested to approve the minutes from the October 4, 2022, and October 18, 2022, meetings.

• Approval of minutes from October 4, 2022, and October 18, 2022, meetings

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss and potentially approve Resolution 22-23-26. This resolution would declare a state of local emergency in response to Subtropical Storm Nicole to facilitate emergency services and resource distribution.

• Resolution 22-23-26 to declare a state of local emergency for Subtropical Storm Nicole
• Authorization for the Highlands County Sheriff to establish and enforce a curfew in unincorporated areas
• Designation of disaster essential employees and authorization of overtime pay
• Waiver of certain procedures for contracting, equipment rental, and public fund expenditures

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts will meet to discuss administrative matters. The primary item on the agenda is the approval of meeting minutes from September 6 and September 20, 2022.

• Approval of September 6, 2022, meeting minutes
• Approval of September 20, 2022, meeting minutes

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing several budget amendments, including a large-scale rollover of uncompleted projects. The meeting also covers emergency management grants, EMS billing policy updates, and housing assistance strategies.

• Budget Amendment 22-23-013 to roll over projects into FY22-23 for a total budget increase of $34,506,431.72
• Service agreement renewal with Merchant McIntyre Associates for $78,000
• Budget Amendment 22-23-012 to roll forward Sheriff projects totaling $195,824.00
• Acceptance of EMPA and EMPG emergency management grants totaling $164,558
• Budget Amendment 22-23-009 to appropriate $294,947.05 for SHIP Program projects

Meeting of the Districts

The meeting is primarily procedural. The board is requested to approve the minutes from the August 16, 2022, Meeting of the Special Districts.

• Approval of minutes from the August 16, 2022, Meeting of the Special Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing a new self-insured health insurance plan and a compensation report for pay grades. The body is also deciding on several infrastructure contracts and grant agreements for health services.

• Proposed health insurance plan with Cigna totaling $11,697,515 annually
• Evergreen Solutions compensation report including a 30-year hybrid parity option estimated at $500,000
• Agreement with AIM Engineering and Surveying Inc. for Lake June-in-Winter Catfish Creek BMPs totaling $134,707.50
• Trade-in of Landfill John Deere 1050 Dozer for $500,000 to purchase a John Deere 850L
• Budget amendment for Sheriff grant/project funds totaling $6,745,284

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is considering a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The agreement involves placing a WeatherSTEM weather monitoring station within the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District to provide real-time weather data.

• Proposed MOU for a WeatherSTEM station in the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District
• No fiscal impact for the first 3 years of the 10-year agreement
• District responsibility for maintenance costs after the initial 3-year prepaid period

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss a resolution to extend the local state of emergency caused by Hurricane Ian. If approved, the extension would last for seven days to allow for continued emergency services, shelter transportation, and resource provision.

• Resolution to extend the local state of emergency for Hurricane Ian for seven days

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing a resolution to declare a state of local emergency due to Tropical Depression Nine. This action would allow the county to waive certain formalities to provide emergency services, open shelters, and distribute resources.

• Resolution 21-22-199 to declare a state of local emergency
• Authorization for the Highlands County Sheriff to establish and enforce a curfew in unincorporated areas
• Designation of disaster essential employees and authorization of overtime pay
• Emergency powers to enter contracts, hire workers, and appropriate public funds

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts in Highlands County will meet to conduct business for various special benefit and fire districts. The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will review the sale of 35 county-owned surplus properties and hold public hearings on five land use and zoning amendments. The body is also deciding on several budget amendments and the appointment of two members to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

• Sale of 35 surplus properties for a total of $132,610.00
• Public hearing for Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA-22-602LS (8.09 acres)
• Public hearing for Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendments CPA-22-605SS and CPA-22-606SS
• Public hearings for Zoning Atlas changes P&Z 2107, 2108, and 2109
• Budget Amendment 21-22-134 to move $125,000 for long range planning services

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will present certificates and lapel pins to volunteer firefighters. The recognition honors individuals serving in five-year intervals.

• Volunteer Firefighter Years of Service Recognition presentation

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is holding a public hearing to discuss and adopt the final budget for fiscal year 2022-2023. The body will consider five resolutions regarding the budget, millage rates, and fee schedules.

• Proposed final budget of $168,372,520
• Proposed final millage rate of 8.1000 mills (a 3.66% increase over the rolled back rate)
• Resolution of Final Budget
• Resolution of Final Millage
• Resolution of Fee Schedule

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing and tentatively adopting the budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This meeting includes a public hearing for comments on the proposed spending and millage rate.

• Proposed FY 2022-2023 total budget of $168,372,520
• Tentative millage rate of 8.1000 mills, a 3.66% increase over the rolled back rate
• Resolution 21-22-188 to adopt the tentative millage rate
• Resolution 21-22-189 to approve the tentative budget
• Adoption of Budget Resolution for Municipal Service Units and Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will consider several budget amendments, grant agreements, and facility fee waivers. Key decisions include approving a $1.9 million insurance renewal and authorizing funds for road improvements and landfill expansion.

• Annual insurance renewal for FY 2022/2023 with an estimated premium of $1,921,100
• Law Enforcement Salary Assistance (LESA) award totaling $945,000
• Design services agreement with Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. for Class I Landfill Expansion
• Funding increase of $220,546 for Heron St. roadway improvements from Hammock Rd. to Howey Rd.
• Sale of 5 County owned surplus properties for a total of $35,202.08

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to certify assessment rolls for 12 municipal service benefit units and the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District. The body will also seek direction on the sale of Tract J in the Placid Lakes Special Benefit District.

• Certification of non-ad valorem assessments estimated at $428,115 for 12 municipal service benefit units
• Certification of non-ad valorem assessments estimated at $150,520 for Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District
• Request for direction on the sale of Tract J (C143729-140094000J0) in Placid Lakes Special Benefit District
• Approval of meeting minutes from June 21, July 5, July 19, and August 2, 2022

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing the proposed budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The meeting includes a public hearing on the re-imposition of the Solid Waste Special Assessment and various budget amendments for infrastructure and housing projects.

• Proposed FY 22/23 budget totaling $168,372,520
• Public hearing on re-imposing Solid Waste Special Assessment to increase revenue by approximately $242,310
• FDOT grant of $735,176 for Memorial Dr. – Pompano to Sebring Parkway project
• Appropriation of $255,264.51 in program income for SHIP housing projects
• Two amendments for CR 623 (Kenilworth Blvd) resurfacing totaling $27,778

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to discuss administrative matters. The primary action item is a request to adjust accounts and close a specific water quality improvement project.

• Resolution 21-22-156 to close Project 13026 (IMWID Water Quality improvement) with a net decrease of $108,191.95 to Fund 109

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on a fire protection special assessment and updates to the Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. The body is also deciding on several grant agreements, surplus property sales, and housing assistance plans.

• Proposed 7% increase in fire protection special assessment categories, estimated to increase annual revenue by $704,608
• Sale of 6 County-owned surplus properties for a total of $23,654
• 2022-2025 Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) with a minimum $350,000 increase to SHIP fund
• Interlocal Agreement with Polk County for roadway improvements on W County Line Road
• Purchase agreement amendment for 12 acres at 1500 Arbuckle Creek Road, Sebring

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is considering a resolution to re-impose and change the assessment methodology for the Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District. The body is also reviewing budget amendments for fire rescue equipment and watershed improvements.

• Proposed Resolution 21-22-151 to change Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District assessment to $25.00 per parcel
• Budget Amendment 21-22-108 to increase Fund 109 (Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Impr. Dist.) by $302,371.08
• Budget Amendment 21-22-107 to move $79,792.00 within Fire Assessment for nozzles, thermal imaging cameras, and cribbing
• Proposed annual fiscal increase of approximately $90,200 for the Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Special Recreation District

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is reviewing a contract for culvert design and a budget amendment for a recreation district. The meeting covers administrative and fiscal matters for various county special districts.

• Proposed $27,000 contract with Cool and Cobb Engineering Company for design and permitting of three culverts in the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District
• Proposed Resolution 21-22-140 to increase the Sun ‘N Lakes of Lake Placid Special Recreation District budget by $26,835
• Design of a temporary dewatering sheet pile structure on Lake Istokpoga for structure STR 4

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will hold public hearings on several zoning and land use amendments. The body is also deciding on a solid waste assessment increase and the sale of 131 county-owned surplus properties.

• Proposed increase of Solid Waste Assessment from $210.00 to $216.30
• Sale of 131 County owned surplus properties for projected revenue of $499,000
• Public hearing for CPA-22-604SSS to change 93.17 acres to Medium Density Residential
• Acceptance of a $23,600 grant for architectural inventory of historic lakeside resources in Sebring
• Approval of $110,000 interlocal agreement for recreation reimbursement to the City of Sebring

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is conducting workshops to review the proposed FY 22/23 Recommended Budget and the Capital Financial Strategy. These sessions are intended to vet requested capital purchases and financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Proposed Capital Financial Strategy for FY 22/23
• Proposed FY 22/23 Recommended Budget for the Board Departments
• Proposed $6,000,000 for Construct New Landfill Cell No. 5
• Proposed $3,000,000 for Spring Lake Airport Station 20
• Proposed $2,700,000 for Road & Bridge Resurfacing in FY 22/23

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to discuss the acceptance of eight easements for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District. These easements are intended for the construction and maintenance of the Phase 2 Above Ground Impoundment.

• Proposed payment of $283,368.00 for eight easements from the Phillip W. Turner Revocable Trust, Mary Helen Driggers Revocable Trust, Triton Farms, LLC, and Lykes Bros, Inc.
• Approval of minutes from the June 7, 2022 Meeting of the Special Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will review the sale of 50 county-owned surplus properties and grants for lacrosse showcases. The meeting includes a presentation of the recommended FY 2022/2023 budget and a discussion regarding the County Administrator position.

• Sale of 50 County owned surplus properties for $288,948.34
• Tourist Development New Event Grants for Fall Prep and High School Girls Lacrosse Showcases (up to $40,000 in 2022 each)
• Budget Amendment 21-22-097 to appropriate $35,000 for recycling collection drop-off site improvements
• Budget Amendment 21-22-095 to move $27,300 from Code Enforcement to Nuisance Abatement
• Appointment of Maritza Cristiansen to the Tourist Development Council

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is holding a public hearing to consider re-imposing a special assessment for the Sun 'N Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District. The proposal changes the assessment methodology to a flat rate per lot to fund recreational facilities and street lighting.

• Proposed Resolution No. 21-22-127 to set a special assessment rate of $17.50 per lot
• Estimated annual fiscal increase of approximately $46,200 for Fund 128
• Expansion of assessment boundaries from 2,815 to approximately 8,000 lots
• Proposal to restrict facility key cards to property owners current on assessments
• Approval of May 17, 2022 meeting minutes

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is considering the purchase of temporary and permanent easements for the Phase 2 Above Ground Impoundment. The board will also review minutes from three previous meetings held in April and May 2022.

• Request to encumber $283,368 from Fund 109 for Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District easements
• Proposed disbursement of $47,292.00 to Shutts & Bowen, LLP as Escrow Agent for Lykes Bros, Inc.
• Easement payments for Turner ($90,444.00), Driggers ($114,732.00), Lykes ($47,292.00), and Triton ($30,900.00)
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 5, April 19, and May 3, 2022

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is reviewing a compensation study by Evergreen Solutions, LLC to update the county pay scale. The body is also conducting a workshop to review fire call data and revenue projections for the Highlands County Fire Rescue assessment.

• Evergreen Solutions, LLC compensation study with implementation options ranging from $109,110.83 to $904,491.59
• Proposed adjusted pay plan to address a 10% gap compared to market averages
• Highlands County Fire Rescue Fire Assessment workshop to review Fitch and GSG reports
• Discussion of fire assessment revenue projections for fiscal year 22/23

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors for various Highlands County Special Districts will meet to conduct official business. The agenda includes presentations, public comment, and a consent agenda.

• Public comment period
• Consent agenda items
• Public hearing

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts will hold public hearings to repeal five special benefit districts. The meeting also includes a presentation on culvert replacement needs for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District.

• Proposed repeal of Hickory Hills Special Benefit District (Ordinance No. 21-22-20)
• Proposed repeal of Sebring Manor Special Benefit District (Ordinance No. 21-22-19)
• Proposed repeal of Bonnett Creek Acres Special Benefit District (Ordinance No. 21-22-18)
• Proposed repeal of Vantage Pointe II Special Benefit District (Ordinance No. 21-22-17)
• Proposed repeal of Somervale Downs Special Benefit District (Ordinance No. 21-22-16)

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss IT and broadband updates and vote on several consent items. Key decisions include a contract amendment for roadway milling and a public hearing regarding subdivision covenants.

• Contract amendment with Excavation Point Inc. for asphalt milling totaling $123,160.80
• Public hearing on Resolution 21-22-88 to revoke covenants for Las Villas at Kenilworth Subdivision
• Letter of support for $1,000,000 in federal earmark funding for Sebring Parkway Phase 4 Roadway Project
• Interlocal Agreement with the City of Avon Park regarding recycling
• Three Florida Sports Foundation Grant Agreements for tourist development totaling $8,788

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of County Commissioners will review a variety of consent items, including grant agreements and budget amendments. A public hearing is scheduled regarding the revocation of covenants for the Las Villas at Kenilworth subdivision.

• Contract amendment with Excavation Point Inc. for asphalt milling totaling $123,160.80
• Public hearing for Resolution 21-22-88 to revoke covenants for Las Villas at Kenilworth Subdivision
• Request for $1,000,000 in federal earmark funding for Sebring Parkway Phase 4 Roadway Project
• Three Florida Sports Foundation grant agreements for tourist development totaling $8,788
• Interlocal Agreement with the City of Avon Park regarding recycling

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will review the sale of 145 surplus properties and a $1.75 million clean water loan. The meeting includes several budget amendments and the adoption of various community proclamations.

• Sale of 145 County owned surplus properties for $1,327,308.55
• Clean Water State Revolving Fund Planning Loan Agreement for $1,750,000.00
• State-Funded Small County Road Assistance Grant increase of $130,000 for CR 623 Resurface
• Appropriation of $281,727 for the State Housing Initiative Partnership Program (SHIP)
• License Agreement with Peace River Center for Personal Development, Inc. for a Domestic Violence Safehouse

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to approve minutes and a contract amendment. The primary action item is a request to extend the completion deadline for the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District Phase 2 Impoundment.

• Amended agreement with Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumers Services to extend Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District Phase 2 Impoundment deadline to June 30, 2024
• Approval of minutes from the March 15, 2022 meeting

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts will receive a presentation regarding the timeline and status of a boundary expansion for the Sun 'n Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District. The body will also consider approving minutes from the March 1, 2022 meeting.

• Update on Sun 'n Lakes of Lake Placid Recreation District boundary expansion
• Approval of March 1, 2022 meeting minutes

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors for various Special Districts will meet to discuss administrative matters. The primary action item is the approval of minutes from the February 1 and February 15, 2022 meetings.

• Approval of meeting minutes from February 1, 2022
• Approval of meeting minutes from February 15, 2022

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is deciding on several special event grants and budget amendments. Key actions include approving a construction agreement for the Arbuckle Creek Road Turn Lane and appropriating loan proceeds for bond retirement and jail expansion.

• Construction agreement with Excavation Point, Inc. for Arbuckle Creek Road Turn Lane for $719,798.55
• Appropriation of $21,614,000.00 from Infrastructure Sales Surtax Refunding Bond for bond retirement and $10M for County Jail Facility Expansion
• Special Event Grants for Bono Bilt Youth Wrestling (up to $20,500), American Cornhole League (up to $24,500), and High School Lacrosse Tournament (up to $30,000)
• Special Event Grants for Heartland Triathlon (up to $10,000), Citrus Golf Trail Open (up to $16,000), and Visit Sebring Classic Golf Tournament (up to $9,750)
• Public hearing regarding the Sebring Regional Airport and Industrial Park Community Redevelopment Agency Plan

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to conduct business for various county improvement and service districts. The primary scheduled action is the approval of minutes from the January 18, 2022 meeting.

• Approval of minutes from the January 18, 2022 meeting of the Special Districts

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a zoning change for a 12.69-acre parcel. The body is also discussing an impact fee study and a $5 million ARPA-funded disaster facilities project.

• Public hearing for P&Z Hearing No. 2096 to change 12.69 acres to Multiple Family Dwelling including Motel and Hotel District with a Planned Development (R-3 PD)
• Discussion on Impact Fee Study with an estimated $116,500 decrease to the General Fund
• ARPA Disaster Facilities Project utilizing $5 million in earmarked funds
• Budget Amendment 21-22-046 to restore $17,810 each to Fund 005 (General) and Fund 179 (Court Technology) for Legal Aid
• Request to rename roads in the Lake Byrd subdivision at a cost of $800

Meeting of the Districts

The Board of Supervisors of the Special Districts is meeting to conduct procedural business. The primary item on the agenda is the approval of minutes from the December 21, 2021, meeting.

• Approval of minutes from the December 21, 2021 meeting of the Special Districts