Plant City Commission Signs $505,925 Water Main Order and Advances Festival Code Update
Vice Mayor Jason Jones presided over a brief session where officials approved infrastructure contracts and reappointed historic preservation board members.
By Alina Carter ·
The Plant City Commission met at 6:00 p.m. on October 29.
Vice Mayor Jason Jones led the session in place of Mayor Nate Kilton. The agenda moved quickly through public comments, consent items, and specific infrastructure projects.
One resident who spoke multiple times expressed frustration regarding the consistency of responses from elected officials. The resident questioned the relationship between the commissioners' duties and their compensation.
Commissioners approved a consent agenda with eight resolutions by a 4-0 vote. These items included setting a public hearing on an affordable housing inventory report and approving amendments to easement agreements with Tampa Electric Company.
The commission authorized a work order with Killebrew Inc. for $505,925.81. This contract covers the relocation and replacement of a 12-inch water main on South Woodrow Wilson Street. Kay Kwag, the utilities engineering manager, noted that the aging pipe material poses leak risks during the associated sidewalk project.
Officials also approved a $117,870 contract with GAI Consultants Inc. to develop a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Julie Garretson outlined a four-part process that will take nine months to complete. The plan aims to evaluate existing facilities and identify service gaps for the growing community. The process includes facility audits, regional mapping, and community engagement through surveys and workshops.
Commissioner Karen Kerr moved to reappoint the current members of the Historic Resources Board. The motion passed 4-0. Commissioner John Haney and Vice Mayor Jones encouraged residents to apply for other board positions. The group recognized the Parks and Recreation Department for hosting events including Oktoberfest, Monster Mash, and Pioneer Day. Jones announced that Special Swings will return next year.
The commission voted 4-0 to continue a hearing on the annexation of eight parcels totaling approximately 112.1 acres to the January 11 meeting. During public comment, one resident compared the city's growth to cancer and raised concerns about traffic. Another resident requested more information regarding potential flooding in developed areas. The commission also approved an amendment to the Florida Strawberry Festival Special Use District Overlay. Phil Waldren stated that the changes would make coordination for the festival easier. The amendment does not introduce new requirements for the existing district. The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
