Commission recommends future‑land‑use change to allow PRWC booster pump site at Derby and Rose

The Planning Commission on Oct. 7 recommended that the City Commission approve a small‑scale Future Land Use Map amendment requested by the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) to allow a booster pump station and water storage tank on a vacant +/-1.0078‑acre parcel at Derby Ave. and Rose St.

City Planner Jesse Pearson described the request, noting the property's current Future Land Use designation is Medium Density Residential and the proposed designation is City, Public Uses, Parks; zoning is Open Use Agriculture (OUA), which allows parks, public buildings and utilities. Pearson said a 6‑foot masonry wall will be required along Derby Ave. to buffer adjacent residential uses. Staff recommended approval to forward the amendment to the City Commission for final action.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. During discussion, PRWC project manager Mark Addison said the pump station is part of the Southeast Well Field Project and that, in his understanding, Polk County purchased the parcel to develop as a park. Addison stated, "This pump station is part of that project." The Planning Commission moved to recommend the amendment (mover: Commissioner Crystal Tijerina; second: Commissioner Donishia Yarde) and voted unanimously.

The recommendation will be transmitted to the City Commission for a final decision; staff noted the amendment is consistent with the property's OUA zoning and the city's review found no conflicts with applicable land‑use rules.