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CRA approves consulting contract for $48,000 and several routine grants and contracts amid public pushback
Summary
The Lake Wales CRA board approved a one‑year consulting agreement with Robin Gibson for $48,000, a small‑business grant for Lady Bee's Tea Parlor, a Colliers project‑management contract and a change order for street work; some residents criticized the consultant's pay and questioned whether the position was necessary.
The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency voted to hire Robin Gibson as a special consultant and legal adviser on CRA matters under a one‑year agreement paying $48,000 annually ($4,000 per month), the assistant city manager told the board. The item prompted sustained public comment objecting to creating a paid contract when the city already has legal staff.
"Why are we paying for more legal fees?" Becky Weinkoop (speaker 6) asked during public comment, arguing the city historically relied on volunteers and retired officials for expertise and questioning whether the compensation was the best use of taxpayers’ money.
Charlene Bennett (speaker 9) also urged the board to reconsider: "It just something doesn't seem right about it," she said, calling the new arrangement "an unnecessary job for a retired city commissioner" and noting the salary appeared higher than many full‑time local public servants earn.
Supporters on the board and staff argued Gibson’s local experience is unique and that his guidance will be important during a concentrated period of downtown activity. Board members said the arrangement is a one‑year contract and that the city has used outside experts previously for specialized tasks.
Other items the CRA approved by voice vote included:
- A completion and award of a 50% food‑service grant to Lady Bee's Tea Parlor for $17,971.13 (eligible documented expenses: $35,942.26). Staff said the business has opened and is pursuing expansion.
- A project management services item authorizing Colliers to assist with bidding, construction and closeout work under the owner's representative contract; staff said Colliers holds a competitive three‑year contract for owners' representative services and has supported multiple city projects.
- Change order No. 4 with Gomez Construction for the 1st Street project to address inadequate asphalt base, with a fiscal impact of $73,056.04; the board approved additional coring/testing and the change order.
- Sale of a small CRA parcel on Stewart Avenue to adjacent property owners for $3,000 after a single bid; staff recommended conveyance given encroachment and limited municipal use, and the board approved the sale (one recorded 'no').
The board also completed procedural business, including the annual designation of CRA chair and vice‑chair. Proponents said the consultant contract and other items will provide continuity and technical capacity as the CRA advances larger downtown projects; opponents urged more transparency on compensation and emphasized volunteer alternatives.
Next steps: staff will execute contracts and complete required documentation; the Gibson agreement and other contract files will be available in the CRA packet for follow‑up.
