Hardee County Board of County Commissioners

MINUTES Hardee County Board of County Commissioners WORKSHOP SESSION January 28, 2025, at 8:30 AM COMMISSIONER CHAMBERS 412 WEST ORANGE STREET, ROOM 102, WAUCHULA, FL 33873

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 2 1. INVOCATION, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. CALL TO ORDER Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Timothy E. Wells Commissioner Present Noey A. Flores Vice Chair Present E. Donald Chancey, Jr. Commissioner Present Russell A. Melendy Chair Present Kenneth A. Miller Commissioner Present Terry Atchley County Manager Present Victoria L. Rogers Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Absent Sarah Johnston County Attorney Present Doug Baber Assistant County Manager Present Christopher Simpron Assistant County Manager Present Holly Smith Administrative Services Manager Present Brandy Crawford Executive Assistant Present Laura Barker Deputy Clerk Present Chair Melendy called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Melendy called for general public comment. None given. County Manager Atchley noted that County Attorney Johnston is running late and will be arriving around 8:45 a.m. 4. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Strategic Workshop – Board Discussion: County Manager Atchley informed the Board of the purpose of this meeting, noting that this is the first of multiple strategic workshop meetings. He noted that almost two years ago the County began the creation of their first strategic plan. County Manager Atchley explained for the benefit of the new commissioners that during 2010-2011 the County went through a visioning process “Visioning for a Brighter Future” that led to the creation of a vision document. The previous Board reaccepted and adopted the visioning plan as a blueprint for the Strategic Action Plan. He noted that this plan is to be reviewed and reevaluated by the Board each year. Ms. Jennifer Codo-Salisbury, Director for Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC), along with Ms. Marybeth Soderstrom, Transportation Director for Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC), led the Strategic Planning Session Presentation: ● Goal of the Strategic Action Plan: Provide an enduring, living document for elected officials, decision making bodies, and the community to review and access on a regular basis ● Mission Statement - Hardee County: Building a vibrant and resilient environment focusing on the health, safety, and welfare of the community Ms. Codo-Salisbury provided an overview of the current Strategic Action Plan; she began by reiterating that the baseline for the plan was the visioning document referenced by County Manager Atchley as well as other considerations which included: - Heartland 2060: Building a Resilient Region - Focus group data and feedback from The Development Group - Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s “Long Range Transportation Plan” - Florida Transportation Plan - FDOT Resiliency Plan

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 3 - Heartland Regional Resiliency Action Plan As we continue to grow, Hardee County continues to take intentional, proactive strategic steps to strengthen our financial position while increasing transparency, innovation, and operating efficiencies countywide. The vision for the future: a strong community of integrity where people want to be. Ms. Codo-Salisbury reminded the Board of the guiding principles of the strategic plan: promote economic development in the County, protect property rights, enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, protect the natural environment and provide housing opportunities and choices. She reviewed the values of the strategic plan including the ideas of innovation and opportunity. Hardee is one of the seven Heartland counties, which include Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, Polk, Glades and Hendry. The core values of the Heartland include stewardship of natural resources, water, communities, and the future for our children. Strategic focus areas of the plan: housing, health care, land use, transportation and infrastructure, education and workforce, economic development, recreation, open spaces and environment, public service, and government. Chair Melendy called for any questions or comments from the Board. Commissioner Chancey raised the question of how do we attract new residents to Hardee County when they are looking for housing and shops and services that are not available here. Regarding natural resources, he noted that mining owns 34 percent of the county’s natural resources. Ms. Codo-Salisbury responded to these questions, highlighting the county’s assets and the current development happening in communities. Ms. Soderstrom noted the cyclical nature of this issue: that you need things to draw people and you need people to create things. She expressed that the steps toward this are going to occur incrementally in small steps. Ms. Soderstrom asked the Commissioners where they think the county is now. Commissioner Miller noted that the Strategic Action Plan is lengthy and comprehensive. He noted that prioritizing a few critical goals is a manageable step to accomplishing them. Commissioner Flores expressed his agreement with Commissioner Miller, noting he sees little bits of progression, but would like to see concrete goals. He is interested in how to accomplish the “big picture” goals. Ms. Soderstrom reminded the Board that the Strategic Plan belongs to them; CFRPC helped Team Hardee craft it, but the plan reflects the county’s goals and priorities. She asked County Manager Atchley to give input as to how the plan guided the actions of County staff over the past year. County Manager Atchley explained that the plan has given staff focal opportunities and targets. He reminded the Board that during the budget development process staff referenced the plan in connection to their actions. The County is able to budget according to the plan because there is a target to aim for. Current staff direction for this year is to outline and build departmental strategic plans. He explained that the developmental overlay was a result of the strategic plan because in order to focus on developing infrastructure staff first needed to understand where the development needs to happen. The goal of developing infrastructure led to the development of the Utilities Master Plan. Commissioner Wells expressed that it is crucial to focus on economic development that will bring in jobs, which will drive the need for housing. If the county wants to develop specific areas like Torrey, then they should focus on developing infrastructure in these areas, i.e., sewer in the Torrey Oaks community; cooperation with The Development Group to bring in businesses that will create jobs, which will bring in people.

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 4 Commissioner Melendy expressed that the County staff work hard under the direction of the County Manager to plan for the future of Hardee County. He noted that there is competition when trying to attract businesses and residents. Commissioner Flores noted the challenge of embracing manageable growth, while also loving the Hardee County small town lifestyle that exists and is loved by many residents. He suggested changing the vision for the future statement to a strong community of integrity where people want to live (as opposed to simply be). Commissioner Chancey noted that all interior counties have a minimum square footage for new home construction. He inquired if lowering the minimum square footage should be considered to make new construction homes more affordable for people. Ms. Codo-Salisbury asked the Board to consider if there are communities that have embraced growth and expansion while preserving their character. Commissioner Wells noted that he feels the Winter Haven area has maintained a small-town feel. He described the idea of a development of tiny homes for retired couples who do not need as much space as a larger family. Commissioner Flores noted that housing has been discussed quite a bit; perhaps this should be one of the priorities for development and growth. Considering the average price of a new home is $300,000, this is difficult to obtain on the County’s median income. He expressed that the 55 and older population do not take from the job market, but the residents require and utilize services, restaurants, etc. Commissioner Flores posed the question of whether this population should be specifically targeted for marketing purposes. Ms. Soderstrom noted that documents like the Strategic Action Plan tend to narrow and segment topics that in reality are intertwined and overlapping. She affirmed that the Board could choose a specific focus area or priorities for the year, which they would in turn communicate to staff. Ms. Soderstrom reviewed the Strategic Action Plan housing category. The following strategies were identified as relating to housing: - Develop infrastructure to serve existing and new housing including central water and wastewater facilities, as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths - Develop a housing program to meet community needs including assistance with housing repairs and infrastructure improvements - Develop community-based strategies to address homelessness; advance policies that recognize housing’s role as essential to health - Encourage a range of housing opportunities to address the needs of all economic segments of the community - Support small-scale in-fill housing in established neighborhoods - Encourage housing options for special needs populations (independent living for seniors, assisted living, memory care, and mental health facilities) - Encourage the provision of support services including transportation options to allow seniors or special needs to remain in their own homes Ms. Soderstrom asked the Board to consider what is missing from the list or what should be prioritized from the list. County Manager Atchley noted that the processes the County has been working on in the Bostick Road/Torrey area correspond with some of these strategies including expanding infrastructure (water and sewer) in this area and considering how to address transportation and roads. He emphasized the need to have a range of housing options in order to fund the services in the County. Commissioner Chancey inquired about how taxes are generated with RVs. Commissioner Flores noted that the infrastructure is taxed with an RV park along with sales/tourist development tax. Commissioner Chancey inquired if there is a fire assessment for an RV lot. Assistant County Manager Baber noted that larger RV parks are assessed for fire and water.

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 5 Commissioner Miller highlighted the negative impact that homestead exemptions can have on the tax base, yet the residents of these homes still use County services. He emphasized that more expensive homes add value to the tax base. Commissioner Wells affirmed that all types of housing options are needed in the County and that many of these moving parts work together and influence each other. County Manager Atchley affirmed that these initiatives are helpful for County staff to know what to follow-up on and to focus on the direction set by the Board. He noted that there has been interest in developing property in and near the Torrey community and where the new light will be installed at U.S. Highway 17 and SR 62. Ms. Soderstrom highlighted the economic development segment of the Strategic Action Plan: diversifying the Hardee County economy and creating opportunities for an educated, ready workforce. The strategies identified included: - Expand employment opportunities through business growth and retention - Identify programs and needs to attract and retain targeted industries - Recognize existing economic development activities, business, and industry - Diversify the economy by establishing relationships between universities, regional research institutions, and local business - Identify and target green industries and technologies - Support and encourage the core industries within the community including agriculture and agricultural-support services Ms. Soderstrom asked the Board to comment on this section regarding what should be prioritized or pursued. Chair Melendy called for any questions or comments from the Board. Commissioner Miller referenced the decline of the citrus industry and noted that much of that land may not return to citrus, but could possibly attract other types of agriculture if services were available (for packing/shipping strawberries or blueberries, etc.). He noted that citrus and other forms of agriculture are a higher tax base than pastureland. He posed the question, “how do we manage that?” The key is to increase our tax base and increase the employment base in Hardee County. Commissioner Wells noted that there are several businesses and industries in the County and inquired if the County staff ever go to them and ask how we can help you expand your business. If they are already here, what can we do to help them thrive and stay? He highlighted the benefit of working with The Development Group to encourage new businesses, manufacturing, and industry to come to Hardee. Commissioner Chancey highlighted the strategy “identify programs and needs to attract/retain targeted industries” and his desire to attract or target existing successful businesses who are looking to expand into the County. Commissioner Flores referenced the use of tax abatements to bring in businesses from other locations. Chair Melendy highlighted the first strategy “business growth and retention.” He noted that local employers are influenced by and affected by new businesses that come into town and begin hiring workers. County Manager Atchley affirmed all of the Commissioners' comments. He noted that the IDA (Industrial Development Authority) was created by statute because they can do things to influence industry and development in ways that the county government cannot. The Board is able to grant tax abatements, but is not able to give money to businesses the way the IDA can. Working closely together with the IDA will help accomplish these economic development goals. Ms. Codo-Salisbury highlighted the education and workforce segment of the Strategic Action Plan. She noted the importance of working closely with the middle and high schools and South Florida State College utilizing programs to educate and invest in people who will remain in or return to Hardee County. The aim of this segment is to diversify the County’s economic base and create opportunities for an educated and ready workforce. Strategies identified include: - Expanding the County’s tax base and business-related revenue streams - Expanding employment opportunities through business growth and retention

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 6 - Implement innovative programs in collaboration with community partners to develop an educated and skilled workforce - Capitalize on the County’s geographic, strategic advantages - Support and encourage diversification of jobs creating business and industry Chair Melendy called for any comments from the Board related to these subjects. Commissioner Flores noted the importance of dialogue among the various Commissioners and understanding the priorities of each. He expressed an interest in more educational opportunities for the County like a good welding school or other telecommunication or technical jobs. Ms. Soderstrom shared with the Board that if one of their priorities is the workforce needed to support broadband infrastructure, there are grant programs and dollars for workforce agencies to train people. She noted that County staff could work with CareerSource Heartland to help accomplish this. Commissioner Miller inquired of staff if Hardee County is part of the broadband last mile initiative. County Manager Atchley noted that Hardee was one of the first counties to complete the last mile project; he noted there is still a need to continue expanding this and there are additional grants that have recently been awarded to the IDA for this purpose. Commissioner Miller inquired if the County has considered leveraging Peace River Electric Cooperative for this purpose to install and expand or use rights-of-way. County Manager Atchley noted this is an area that continues to need to be addressed to establish services. Commissioner Miller noted the positive influence increased speed of the internet can have on education and small businesses. Commissioner Flores noted that investing money in infrastructure may not always be needed when considering services like Starlink. County Manager Atchley noted the priority that businesses place on fiber above broadband and the issues that the County had with Starlink during cloudy days around the time of Hurricane Milton. Commissioner Wells affirmed these discussion points and that having fiber optic cables installed throughout the County would be a benefit. He asked why this had not happened sooner. County Manager Atchley noted the challenge of funding is a hindrance. Ms. Soderstrom highlighted the land use, transportation, and infrastructure segment of the Strategic Action Plan: improve coordination of economic development, land use, infrastructure, transportation, and natural resource planning. The strategies identified included: - Provide well-designed, functional, cost-effective transportation, utility and public services to workplaces, neighborhoods, communities, and centers of economic activity - Creating a balance between natural resources and new development - Balance existing and future mining efforts - Improve gateways to communities to draw visitors and commerce - Coordinate, identify appropriate utility service areas for efficient provision of utilities including broadband - Improve infrastructure (sidewalks, street lighting, and drainage, etc.) - Integrate connected transportation systems - Build infrastructure capacity to support new manufacturing - Establish balance of available lands and efficient use of facilities Chair Melendy called for any comments on these strategies. Commissioner Chancey acknowledged that the Board has a role in setting the strategic plan and setting zoning and policies, but once policies are set this does not return to the Board; he noted that the Board might not know what the planning department and developers are proposing. He posed the question, “How does the Board have oversight without micromanaging?”

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 7 Ms. Codo-Salisbury noted that there are pretty defined requirements in the Torrey community overlay; the overlay is designed with flexibility, but also guidance. The intent of the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Action Plan was to provide this type of direction. She highlighted the balance between setting policies and providing enough guidance within them; if the local government would like additional oversight this could come through public hearings. Commissioner Chancey acknowledged that words and policy may not convey vision of what the Board is anticipating the outcome to look like. Ms. Codo-Salisbury noted that the Board could require Planned Unit Developing (PUD), which would be more costly for the developer, but give the Board more oversight. The key is building enough definition in policies to meet the vision of the community and the Board. Commissioner Miller referenced the balance between existing and future mining requirements strategy and the opportunities available through the Comprehensive Plan amendments and mining ordinances. He noted the importance of doing this sooner, rather than later. Commissioner Wells asked Commissioner Miller about the homes being built on Hwy 555 and the timeline from mining to construction of houses on reclaimed land. Commissioner Miller noted that land and lakes reclamation can happen pretty quickly. Chair Melendy highlighted the utility services strategy and provided efficient provision of utilities including broadband. The EDA (Economic Development Authority) is focused on this topic in trying to prepare the way for new businesses. He noted the improvements to infrastructure (sidewalks, street lighting, and roadways) and how this is important to constituents and contributes greatly to the feel of an area. Chair Melendy recessed the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Chair Melendy reconvened the meeting at 10:11 a.m. Commissioner Wells referenced towns that regularly host an open market with vendors allowing people to walk through the downtown. He emphasized adding more of these types of activities to downtown Wauchula; this leads to people’s increased desire to live in this type of community. Commissioner Miller highlighted the fact that all of the County’s wastewater with the exception of the Town of Zolfo Springs is deposited into Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC, (Mosaic) property. He noted that this option may go away one day, and it is important to begin considering how the County will meet the current costly standards regarding this form of infrastructure. These agreements with Mosaic are signed on an annual basis. How will this be managed going forward? County Manager Atchley affirmed the need to begin considering how to address this wastewater issue; he highlighted regulations that are going to take effect in 2036 that will influence this type of open discharge. Commissioner Miller highlighted aeration type septic tanks that are a small sewage treatment plant that discharges clear water to a drain field and whether this type of infrastructure could/should be required in the future for small scale developments. Commissioner Flores inquired about the possibility of discharging to a reservoir or small lake and what implications this could have for the County. Ms. Soderstrom highlighted the healthcare segment of the Strategic Action Plan: promote safety and enhance community health. The strategies identified included: - Identify public safety risks that have the greatest impact - Protect the public by identifying, monitoring, and responding to public health threats - Promote excellence in education, medical employment, and recreation opportunities - Promote healthy living and access to vital services - Develop an ambulatory surgery center - Enhance specialties services - Attract independent and assisted living facility with memory care skilled nursing

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 8 Commissioner Chancey asked for clarification on the strategy “protect the public by identifying, monitoring, and responding to public health threats.” Ms. Codo-Salisbury noted that there was a lot of discussion surrounding this strategy when developing the plan. She emphasized working with providers in light of public health notices, coordinating with health providers and agencies and the health department to disseminate information, while looking for ways to maintain open communication with the public. County Manager Atchley referenced the real-life example of the new digital sign at the Hardee Health Department and the dengue fever outbreak in Hardee County; he noted that various ways were utilized to share this information with the public. Commissioner Flores referenced the importance of quality health care, particularly for the population of residents who are over 55. Commissioner Miller highlighted placing a priority on an assisted living facility with memory care. Ms. Codo-Salisbury highlighted the recreation, open space, and environment segment of the Strategic Action Plan: the goal is to plan for recreation, open space, and environmental needs of the County. The strategies identified included: - Provide parks and recreation with quality recreation opportunities - Promoting economic development - Having connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, and recreation - Prioritizing development to enhance intra-county connectivity - Ensure provision of sufficient parks, recreation facilities, and open space to meet the needs of residents and visitors - Protect, conserve, and restore natural resources and ecological function - Encourage citizen engagement and partnership that balance growth and natural resource preservation Chair Melendy called for questions or comments related to recreation. None given. Ms. Soderstrom highlighted the public services and general government segment of the Strategic Action Plan: deliver excellent public services with a commitment to fiscal management, community engagement, and transparency. The strategies identified included: - Provide and maintain facilities and programs that are available and accessible to all - Promote activities that bring our community closer together - Operate in a fiscally responsible and stable manner Chair Melendy called for questions or comments related to public services and government. Commissioner Flores inquired about the use of public libraries and if there has been a decline due to the ease of acquiring material in other ways. Ms. Codo-Salisbury noted that from personal experience she utilizes library services in many communities and noted that libraries are frequented and used by the general public. Libraries are often a busy place. Ms. Soderstrom noted that libraries and the library system provide a lot of opportunity for programming related to helping people access the internet and other services. She highlighted the Winter Haven Library System that has put an emphasis on making their libraries a technology hub, so they could offer programs to the public. County Manager Atchley noted that the local library manager is passionate and effective at her job; summer programs are well used by the public. Commissioner Miller praised the county staff and constitutional officers for their collaborative efforts and efforts at providing information to citizens. Chair Melendy highlighted the strategy “promote activities that bring our community closer together” and noted that there is no lack of opportunities in the county.

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 9 5. PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION FOR AGENDA ITEMS County Manager Atchley asked the Board for guidance as to how to move forward with the Strategic Action Plan. Specifically, does the Board want to continue to think about the contents of this plan until the next scheduled workshop in March 2025 or was there anything specific that County staff or CFRPC staff can be working on between now and then? He noted that the conversation this morning has affirmed the overarching principles of the Strategic Action Plan combined with a desire to actively pursue some of the goals; the discussion also raised questions related to other agencies that the Board needs or wants to interact with concerning these topics. County Manager Atchley inquired if the Board would like to readopt the current plan and then have staff begin lining up meetings with the other agencies to discuss these topics and begin acting on the goals. Chair Melendy requested the Board’s input and response. Commissioner Chancey affirmed his willingness to move forward with the plan “as is”; he noted that this plan is a broad overview and meeting with other agencies would help to narrow the focus and view. Commissioner Flores noted he has no problem adopting the plan as it is; he reiterated his suggestion to change the wording of the vision from “The vision for the future: a strong community of integrity where people want to be” to “The vision for the future: a strong community of integrity where people want to live.” Commissioner Flores affirmed having the Board meet with the IDA and begin exploring ways to accomplish specific goals and funding these projects. He expressed a desire to “keep the people first” in everything they do as a Board. Commissioner Wells expressed his agreement with moving forward with the Strategic Action Plan, with meeting with other agencies to assist in this, and with keeping the people of the County in the fore front of their thoughts. Commissioner Miller affirmed the current Strategic Action Plan as a good starting point and prioritizing the “low hanging fruit.” He voiced a question related to how quickly they can begin moving forward with some of these points as well as an update from staff addressing things that are currently in place to address these goals/plans. He noted the importance considering the costs, the time frame as well as the value to the community. Should they rank and assess the priority, benefits, and risks of specific items on the action plan? Chair Melendy noted that there is consensus from the Board in moving forward. He called for any further questions or comments. Commissioner Wells noted that the photo of the Board of County Commissioners needs to be updated. He affirmed the desire for Board workshops to be based on a particular subject. County Manager Atchley affirmed that a typical monthly workshop is for the purpose of reviewing items that will be voted on at the monthly meeting; however, additional workshops can focus on specific topics from the Strategic Action Plan. Chair Melendy called for further discussion. None noted. 6. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:33 a.m. X Russell A. Melendy, Chair Board of County Commissioners

Hardee County Board of County Commissioners January 28, 2025 10 X Victoria L. Rogers, Ex-Officio Clerk Board of County Commissioners