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Commission hears consent easement with TECO, and city attorney outlines de novo hearing procedures
Summary
Staff presented an easement with Tampa Electric for a transformer at the old Fire Station 1 and the city attorney briefed the commission on an upcoming de novo hearing for a large‑scale drinking establishment, warning against ex parte communications and explaining hearing procedures.
At the start of the regular agenda the commission considered a consent item: staff described an easement between Winter Haven and Tampa Electric to place a transformer to serve a remodel at the old Fire Station 1. Staff recommended the commission approve the easement to allow TECO to set a transformer at the site.
Separately, the city attorney briefed commissioners on a de novo quasi‑judicial hearing scheduled for the following Monday at 5 p.m. for an applicant seeking approval for a large‑scale drinking establishment. The attorney described the procedure (time limits, sworn testimony and notice requirements), reminded commissioners to avoid ex parte communications with applicants or constituents and said communications must be disclosed on the record if they occur.
Why it matters: The easement clears a utility need for a pending remodel project and the de novo hearing triggers heightened procedural safeguards for fair consideration of the land‑use application.
Next steps: Staff will place the easement on the consent agenda for formal approval and the commission will hold the de novo hearing at the scheduled special meeting.
