Votes at a glance: Winter Haven commission adopts property transfers, plat acceptances and utility easement vacation

At its April 14 meeting, the Winter Haven City Commission unanimously adopted a package of resolutions formalizing property conveyances, accepting subdivision infrastructure, and vacating utility easements. The commission also advanced three ordinances on first reading; second readings are scheduled for April 28.

Resolutions adopted (roll-call/voice votes; all adopted):

- R25-13: Accept conveyance of property adjacent to Bowen Yard from 6 10 LLC. Staff said the developer constructed 24 public parking spaces and a sidewalk using a combination of public right-of-way and private land; transfer conveys the private portion to the city. Staff recommended approval and noted no financial impact. Motion approved; recorded as adopted.

- R25-14: Accept improvements, infrastructure and dedications for Annabelle Estates (approx. 95.38 acres, 324 building lots, 12 common lots). The developer posted a performance bond for previously incomplete work in the amount of $860,622.45; city inspections found incomplete items are now complete and utilities can be accepted. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-15: Accept improvements for Sunset Hills (approx. 45.4 acres, 162 building lots, 12 common lots). The developer had posted a performance bond of $2,351,410.08; city staff found previously incomplete improvements now finished and recommends acceptance. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-16: Approve final plat for Residences at Winter Haven (approx. 15.6 acres, 63 building lots, 5 common lots). Staff reported adequate water/wastewater capacity and consistency with comprehensive plan. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-17: Approve final plat for Traditions Retail (approx. 5.3 acres, 3 lots), including right-of-way dedication for Tract A. Staff noted the site has adequate water and sewer capacity and part of the parcel is under construction for a convenience store and fueling facilities. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

- R25-18: Authorize termination, abandonment and release of four 15-foot-wide utility easements (totaling 3,269.41 feet) originally dedicated in 1981 to allow redevelopment of the Lake Deere townhouse site. City engineering and water departments reported no objections provided replacement easements/utilities are recorded and abandoned mains are removed at the developer’s expense. Motion approved; resolution adopted.

Ordinances advanced on first reading (no final vote tonight):

- O25-11 / O25-12: Companion ordinances seeking annexation, future land use assignment (Neighborhood Support) and Commercial Highway C-3 zoning for an annexed 8.64-acre parcel at 75 Sage Road. The petitioner intends a medical office; staff said supporting infrastructure has sufficient capacity and the planning commission recommended approval. Second readings scheduled for April 28.

- O25-17: Ordinance amending fiscal year 2024-25 budget to appropriate $3,858,447 for encumbrance roll-forwards from FY24. Staff said these are carryforward amounts to reflect prior-year commitments; second reading set for April 28.

Additional procedural actions: The consent agenda was approved in its entirety; minutes from prior meetings were adopted. Several items were read by the city attorney and recommended by staff; no public comment was offered on those items during the hearing periods.

All resolutions and plat acceptances were acted on by motion, public hearing (closed after no speakers) and unanimous commission votes recorded as “aye.”