Lake Wales Grama Fleet seeks MOU to pursue two-story boathouse on city land, says no city funds requested now

Representatives of the Lake Wales Grama Fleet described a conceptual two-story boathouse they would like to build on city property adjacent to the ball fields and waterfront. Ben Wiles, speaking for the group, said they have a site plan, preliminary building sketches and initial contacts with DEP and that the next steps require formal permission from the city to proceed with geotechnical borings and final elevation work.

"We don't have funding for it. We aren't asking for funding at this time," Wiles said, asking for a simple memorandum to acknowledge the group's intent to work in good faith on city property. Fleet volunteers described how the facility could expand program capacity (current fleet fits roughly 20 30 boats, organizers said), reduce the need to haul boats, and improve classroom and viewing space for volunteer instructors. Commissioners asked about liability and insurance; fleet leaders said they historically have limited formal liability coverage, would welcome city umbrella options, and would pursue the insurance and engineering steps required before any construction.

Next steps: staff and the commission agreed to consider a short MOU that documents the group's intent and allows them to perform necessary site work. The commission did not approve funding for the structure during the work session.