Transportation Planning Organization (TPO)

Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:00 AM Polk County Polk County Administration Building 330 West Church Street Bartow, Florida 33830 Boardroom Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 Regular TPO Board Meeting 1. Call to Order - 9:00 a.m. (Trish Pfeiffer, Polk TPO Chairwomen) Minutes: Chairwoman Trish Pfeiffer called the TPO Board meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. 2. Confirmation of Quorum Minutes: KC Rivera, Polk TPO staff, confirmed a quorum. Commissioner Dawn McDonald represented the South County Bloc; no representatives were present for the Central County or Ridge Blocs. Advisory Council members in attendance included Wayne Gaither (FDOT), Ryan Kordek (Polk TPO), and Dane Norman (Polk County Legal). Chairwoman Trish Pfeiffer welcomed new TPO Board members, Commissioners Terry Coney and Ashley Troutman of Lakeland, and acknowledged updated titles for several board members. 3. Opportunity for Public Comment Minutes: Chairwoman Pfeiffer opened the floor for public comment. Sharon Garrett expressed concerns about the potential loss of her family land in connection with the planned Central Polk Parkway. Chairwoman Pfeiffer closed public comment. 4. Agenda Review - Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director CONSENT AGENDA (TAB 1) These action items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion . There will be no separate discussion on these items. A Board member may request an item be moved to the regular agenda for discussion. 5. Approval of Meeting Minutes Attachments: AI5_A1_Draft TPO Board Meeting Minutes_120925 Minutes: Motion: Motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Santiago. Motion carried without dissent. 6. Approve Polk TPO Executive Director Quarterly Timesheets and Expense Reimbursements Attachments: AI6-A1_Director_Timesheets Minutes: Motion: Motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Santiago. Motion carried without dissent. Page 1 of 8 7. Approve Draft Resolution 2026-01 Recommending the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District (LAMTD) as the Designated Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Polk County Attachments: AI7_A1 Resolution 2026-01 CTC Redesignation Minutes: Motion: Motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Santiago. Motion carried without dissent. OTHER ACTION ITEMS (TAB 2) 8a. Election of TPO Chairman and Vice-Chairman Minutes: Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, informed the board of some administrative actions needed. a. Election of Polk TPO Chair and Vice Chair Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, presented the past Chairs and Vice Chairs. He explained that, under the TPO bylaws, Chairs are permitted to serve for up to two years. Commissioner Brasswell nominated Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley as Chair. Motion: Motion made by Commissioner Brasswell, seconded by Commissioner Wilson. Motion carried without dissent. Commissioner McDonald nominated Council Member Greenway as Vice Chair. Motion: Motion made by Commissioner McDonald, seconded by Commissioner Wilson. Motion carried without dissent 8b. TPO Board Appointments Minutes: i. Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, explained that the Local Coordinating Board has an appointed chair from the TPO Board. Currently serving as Chair is Vice Mayor Jeremy Clark and has agreed to continue to serve as Chair. Commissioner Brasswell motioned to retain the current chair, Vice Mayor Jeremy Clark. Motion: Motion was made by Commissioner Brasswell and seconded by Commissioner Arroyo. Motion carried without dissent. ii. Suncoast Transportation Planning Alliance (SCTPA) Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, provided a brief background on the SCTPA. Page 2 of 8 The current SCTPA members are: - Commissioner Trish Pfieffer - Commissioner Mike Musick - Mayor Pro Tem Guy LaLonde Commissioner Brasswell motioned to retain representatives of the TPO Board for SCTPA members. Motion: Motion made by Commissioner Brasswell, seconded by Commissioner McDonald. Motion carried without dissent. 8c. TPO Board Meeting Time and Location Minutes: Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, presented the Board poll results, noting that most members preferred maintaining the 9:00 a.m. meeting time over 1:00 p.m. He reviewed a five-year cost comparison for relocating to the FDOT Conference Center, outlining associated advantages and disadvantages. Mr. Kordek also reported ongoing discussions regarding potential renovations to the current Board Room to better accommodate both BoCC and TPO meetings. He confirmed that TPO Board meetings will continue to be held in the BoCC Board Room. 9. Public Hearing on Draft Amendments to FY 2025/26 - 2029/30 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Attachments: AI9-A1_TIP Amendment Minutes: Angela Kaufman, TPO Staff, presented the amendments for the FY 2025/26 - 2029/30 TIP for LAMTD funding for the rehabilitation of a maintenance building. Chairwoman Roberts McCarley opened the public hearing for public comments. Seeing none, Chairwoman Roberts McCarley closed the public hearing. Motion: Motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Musick. Motion carried without dissent. Roll Call vote was taken and approved without dissent. 10a. Review/Approve Draft TPO Resolution 2026-02 Adopting the Safety Performance Targets for the Polk TPO Attachments: AI10a_A1_Resolution 2026-02_Safety Targets Minutes: Tracy Mullins, representing TPO staff, presented the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Safety Performance Targets and requested adoption of the resolution supporting these targets. He noted FDOT’s goal of zero fatalities and zero serious injuries by 2026, highlighting progress in reducing overall injuries. However, Mr. Mullins expressed concern over rising fatalities and increasing bicycle and pedestrian injury rates. Page 3 of 8 Motion: Motion made by Counsil Member Greenway, seconded by Commissioner McDonald. Motion carried without dissent. A lengthy and substantive discussion took place between the Board and Mr. Mullins regarding the FDOT Safety Performance Targets. 10b. Vision Zero Action Plan/Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Update Minutes: Moe Lavisani, representing AECOM, presented the goals of the Target Zero roadway safety initiative, emphasizing the need to identify and implement effective solutions based on a clearer understanding of underlying issues. He reported that 465 survey responses were received through public involvement efforts, with distracted driving and lane discipline identified as top concerns. The team’s focus is on High Injury Network (HIN) locations and areas with the highest rates of fatalities and serious injuries-and is developing fact sheets for each HIN area to support targeted strategies, along with a crash data dashboard. Mr. Lavisani noted that three workshops will be held in the corridors with the highest crash rates to gather additional public input: Lake Ariana Civic Center, Wahneta Elementary School, and Sleepy Hill Elementary School. Commissioner Troutman expressed concern that school-based workshop times may not accommodate working families. Ryan Kordek explained that the times were chosen to coincide with student pickup periods to engage parents directly. Commissioner Scott suggested holding two meetings within the Kathleen Corridor to increase participation. Commissioner Troutman also referenced a slide noting proposed “road diets” in Lakeland. Chairwoman Robert McCarley stressed the importance of considering land use patterns and behavioral trends when evaluating safety strategies and proposed improvements. 11. Review/Approve Selection Committee’s Recommended Ranking of Consulting Firms and Authorize Staff to Negotiate with the Highest Ranked Firm in Response to the TPO’s Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 25-686 (I-4 Intermodal Passenger Rail Station Planning and Feasibility Study) Attachments: AI11_A1_11 RFP 25-686, Minutes from Interviews & Rankings - Final Minutes: Cindy Mitchell, Polk TPO staff, provided an update on the I‑4 Intermodal Passenger Rail Station Feasibility and Planning Study, presenting the final ranking of consultant proposals. HDR Engineering Inc. ranked first, and contract negotiations with the firm are currently underway. Ms. Mitchell requested Board approval of the final ranking and authorization to enter into an agreement with the selected consultant. Page 4 of 8 Motion: Commissioner Musick moved approval, seconded by Commissioner Scott. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Mitchell thanked all participants in the RFP process. Commissioner Madden shared feedback based on her experience with the review. Commissioner Troutman noted that if negotiations with HDR Engineering are unsuccessful, the process will proceed with the second-ranked firm. 12. Review/Approve Draft Planning Tasks for the FY 2026/27 - 2027/28 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Attachments: AI12_A1_Draft_Planning_Tasks Minutes: Ryan Kordek, Polk TPO Executive Director, presented the Two-Year Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), outlining the TPO’s grant-funded budget. He noted that several major projects have recently been completed, while work continues on ongoing initiatives. Funding allocations include $4.4 million for FY 2024/25-2025/26 and $2.9 million for FY 2026/27-2027/28 to support operational planning activities. Mr. Kordek also reviewed key UPWP components, including the four-year federal certification review, annual report, congestion management process, long- and short-range transportation planning, and public participation. Motion: Council Member Greenway moved approval, seconded by Commissioner Troutman. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Troutman asked about the significant decrease in federal funding in the upcoming cycle. Mr. Kordek explained that, following completion of several large projects, less federal funding will be required in the next cycle. Commissioner Troutman then inquired whether the Best Foot Forward 2026 focus areas had been identified. Mr. Kordek responded that he believes staff are currently reviewing those crosswalk locations as part of the process. PRESENTATIONS AND STATUS REPORTS 13. Lakeland Linder International Airport Presentation Minutes: Adam Lunn, representing Lakeland Linder International Airport, provided an overview of airport operations, including flight activity, cargo services, and commercial operations. He reviewed the Terminal Area Master Plan, which has received FDOT approval and is awaiting FAA forecast approval. The plan includes development of Area 10 as an intermodal center to accommodate Citrus Connection, rideshare services, and charter buses, as well as a parking garage designed to support advanced air mobility aircraft. As part of the planning process, the airport will refine these concepts into a Program Definition Plan (PDP). Mr. Lunn also discussed a proposed consolidated fuel farm and efforts to secure a pipeline connection from the Port of Tampa to Orlando, which would reduce interstate truck traffic, improve fuel reliability, and provide reserve capacity during emergencies. Page 5 of 8 He highlighted plans for a Northeast Quadrant MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility capable of servicing large aircraft such as 767s and 737s, along with a Government MRO facility. Additionally, the Sun ’n Fun Master Plan has been integrated into the airport’s overall master plan. 14. Central Polk Parkway East Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) and Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study Attachments: AI14-A1_451419-2-CPPE_Project_Newsletter_No-4 Minutes: Jazlyn Georges, Florida Turnpike, presented an overview of the proposed Central Polk Parkway East, a new toll facility to be constructed in four segments: a) US 27 to north of Lake Mabel Loop Road b) North of Lake Mabel Loop Road to south of Johnson Avenue c) South of Johnson Avenue to north of US 17/92 d) US 17/92 to the future Poinciana Connector Ms. Georges shared a project video and highlighted the regional significance of the Parkway, including its connection to the Poinciana Parkway extension to I‑4. She noted that current travel times from US 27/I‑4 to SR 429 range from 50-70 minutes, while the proposed improvements could reduce travel time to 23-28 minutes. Community outreach efforts have included meetings along both the US 27-US 17/92 and US 17/92-Poinciana Connector corridors. Andrew Velasquez, AECOM, provided background on earlier planning phases, noting that twelve alternate routes were evaluated and the Cypress Park Route was deemed less suitable due to multiple constraints. Ms. Georges outlined environmental impacts and challenges associated with the Cypress Park Route, and Mr. Velasquez summarized the selected corridor moving forward. Ms. Georges concluded with a project status update: the project is entering Phase Two, which includes the PD&E study for the US 27-US 17/92 segment, while the PD&E study for US 17/92-Poinciana Connector is nearing completion. REPORTS 15. Executive Director’s Report Page 6 of 8 Attachments: AI15a_A1_TPO_Year_in_Review_2025 AI15b_A1_Polk TPO SAFE IPR Letter Minutes: a. 2025 Year in Review Ryan Kordek presented the TPO year in review and acknowledge Commission Pfieffer and the board. b. Letter of Support for the Statewide Advancement of Enhancements at Intercity Passenger Rail Crossings Program Ryan Kordek explained the purpose of the letter of support for the statewide Intercity Passenger Rail Crossing Program Grant. He noted that the letter affirms the TPO’s commitment to advancing safety and operational improvements at rail crossings as part of the statewide initiative. 16. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Report Minutes: Wayne Gaither, FDOT, provided additional feedback regarding the letter of support for the statewide Intercity Passenger Rail Crossing Program. Edith Perez, FDOT, reported that the draft 2025 Joint Certification is underway, with Part One currently under review, and commended Adrian Marquez for his contributions to the process. She also noted several upcoming deadlines: · UPWP submission in GAP by March 15 for review · PL Agreement due May 15 · TA and Congestion Management applications due in GAP by March 31 17. Opportunity for Public Comment Minutes: Chair Roberts McCarley opened the floor for public comments. Seeing none, closed the floor. 18. Board Member Comments Minutes: Chairwoman Roberts McCarley opened the floor for public comment. Seeing none, closed the floor. 19. Adjournment Minutes: Motion to Adjourn: Motion made by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Santiago. The meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m. Page 7 of 8 In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the Board of County Commissioners, Communications Office, at 330 W. Church Street, Bartow. Telephone (863) 534-6090, not later than four days prior to the proceeding. If hearing impaired call: (TDD) (863) 534-7777 or 1-800-955-8771, or Voice impaired call: 1-800-955-8770, via Florida Relay Service. The TPO planning process is conducted in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Related Statutes. Any person or beneficiary who believes they have been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or family status may file a complaint with Cindy Mitchell, the TPO’s Title VI Specialist at (863) 534-6486, or by writing to her at Post Office Box 9005, Bartow, Florida 33831-9005. Polk TPO February 12, 2026 PowerPoint Presentation Attachments: TPO_Final_Slides_2-12-2026 Page 8 of 8