Lake Wales commission approves ordinances, infrastructure plans and CDBG policy updates

The City of Lake Wales commission approved multiple ordinances and resolutions during its meeting, including land-use and zoning changes for parcels south of Hunt Brothers Road and the adoption of several utility and grant-related plans.

On old business, the commission gave final approval to Ordinance 2025-34, which amends the comprehensive plan's future land-use map for approximately 5± acres south of Hunt Brothers Road from county RS (residential suburban) to a City industrial designation, and to Ordinance 2025-35, which rezones the same roughly 5± acres to an industrial park zoning designation. Both measures were second readings and passed by roll call vote; no members of the public spoke during those hearings.

In new business the commission approved:
- Resolution 2025-28 to adopt the headworks supplemental facilities plan (project WW5303E);
- Resolution 2025-29 approving sewer shed 1, 2 and 3 infrastructure improvements (project WW5303C);
- Resolution 2025-31 adopting the policy manual required for City participation in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards (the measure repeals Resolution 2025-20).

Most of these items had no public speakers during their hearings and were approved by roll call. The city attorney also reported that a camera speed-enforcement program at Hillcrest will go live on Jan. 7 with a 30-day warning period covering 30 school days; approvals for Burns Avenue (a county roadway) are pending Polk County authorization.

The commission additionally recognized Beverly Pennington, Public Works superintendent, for leading downtown lighting and decorations for the Make It Magical event; commissioners thanked staff and volunteers for the holiday programming.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance 2025-34 (comprehensive plan land-use change, ~5 acres south of Hunt Brothers Road): approved by roll call (4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent).
- Ordinance 2025-35 (zoning change to industrial park, ~5 acres): approved by roll call (4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent).
- Resolution 2025-28 (headworks supplemental facilities plan WW5303E): approved by roll call.
- Resolution 2025-29 (sewer shed infrastructure WW5303C): approved by roll call.
- Resolution 2025-31 (CDBG policy manual adoption): approved by roll call.

Commissioners and staff signaled continued work on development incentives and neighborhood development ordinance implementation; Commissioner Thompson reiterated the city cannot compel private landowners but continues to offer incentives for Lake Wales Envision-style development.