Following the special commission meeting to discuss the 1914 building, the commission held its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night to discuss several items of city business.
A resolution was approved to establish an auditor selection committee for the purpose of recommending an external audit firm, who will conduct the City’s annual financial audit, to the city commission. Florida Statutes require that the commission establish the committee, which consists of at least three members, with one member being a member of the City Commission, who will serve as chair. Mayor Kilton, himself a certified public accountant, volunteered to serve as chair. A motion was made and commissioners unanimously agreed to appoint him as chairperson. Other members appointed include Dan Raulerson, Ryan Bontrager and Matt Buzza.
A 1.9 mile sidewalk project was discussed, funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The sidewalks will be installed at Woodrow Wilson St. from the railroad crossing to Airport Rd., on Sammonds Rd. From Woodrow Wilson St. to Alexander St.
and Airport Rd. from Woodrow Wilson St. to National Guard Dr. The city commission authorized the city manager to execute a work order with Patel, Green & Associates LLC to perform a survey and sidewalk location evaluation at a cost of $85,729.51.
“Part of the reason the cost is so high is because of some of the complexities involved, right-of-way and railroad crossings complicate the design,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel.
Commissioners agreed that the project is necessary for public safety.
“During the Strawberry Festival I travel that way a lot and this will make it much more safe,” said Commissioner Sparkman. “School kids also go back and forth this way so I’m glad to see this.”
Commissioners recognized the stellar work of staff that contributed to a successful fourth of July event, where 48 vendors set up booths, more than 40 people volunteered their time, 28 sponsors participated with financial contributions totaling in excess of $23,000 and approximately 7,500 residents watched a 21-minute firework show.
“City staff did an amazing job, it was a wonderful event, just being there and seeing the stadium full of people smiling and having fun,” said Commissioner Jones.
Commissioners then discussed an ordinance amending the boundaries of the Downtown Plant City Commercial Historic District to remove four city-owned vacant parcels, the site of the Wheeler Street Station project.
On June 20, the Historic Resources Board voted to recommend the city commission deny the ordinance. Planning and Zoning Coordinator Robyn Baker offered staff recommendations about the project. “This parcel is surrounded by properties not in the historic district,” she said. “Staff recommends the city commission adopt an ordinance approving the removal of the parcels from the historic district.”
During public comments, two residents expressed their disapproval of removing the parcels from the historic district.
Commissioner Sparkman made a motion to adopt the ordinance removing the parcels from the historic district with Commissioner Dodson seconding the motion. It passed with a four to zero vote (Mayor Kilton abstained due to a conflict of interest).
The last agenda item was approving the final plat for Varrea Phase 2A, creating a 196-lot single-family residential subdivision with 38 single-family detached dwellings and 158 paired villas (79 villa buildings) which easily passed by a unanimous vote.
The next commission meeting is Monday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.