Highlights from the October 9, 2019 CFRPC Council Meeting

Okeechobee County Activities Report

Robbie Chartier, Okeechobee County Administrator shared an update of County activities and projects including:

• Property values have increased and new homes are being constructed
• A new Economic Development Corporation has been created
• NextAir is expanding onto adjacent property in Okeechobee’s Airport Commerce Park
• Baue Tech, a concrete products company based in Guatemala, will be opening its Southeastern US headquarters
• Rezoning has been approved for Caboda, Inc. which will be located on US 98
• The Okeechobee Music Festival is planned for March 5-8 and is expected to bring more than 40,000 in attendance
• A Wawa gas and convenience store is under construction on SR 70 in the City of Okeechobee

Contract for Technology Services

• MOTION: To approve a contract with Cipher Integration, Inc. for technology services through September 30, 2020. The motion carried unanimously.

2020 Census

Reginald Earl with the U.S. Census Bureau provided an overview of the efforts underway to ensure everyone is counted in the right place during the 2020 Census.

• The Census is constitutionally mandated for the re-apportionment of Congress and informs how $675 Billion/year will be distributed.
• For the 2020 Census, the internet is the primary method for households to self respond.
• State and local governments, businesses, and community leaders form Complete Count Committees to encourage participation in their community.
• MOTION: To approve the Census Proclamation as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Learn more at census.gov/partners.

Resolution 2019-10A

FDOT has proposed a new Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) for Federal 5311 funds awarded to the CFRPC for public transportation through the Community Transportation Coordinator in DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties.

• MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2019-10A authorizing the Council to enter into a grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and to authorize the Executive Director to sign and administer the Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA). The motion carried unanimously.

Update on the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO)

• The HRTPO Board is scheduled to meet on November 6, 2019, in Sebring where FDOT will be presenting the Draft Tentative Work Program.
• Commissioner Don Elwell serves as Chair to the Local Coordinating Board for DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties and was recognized as the Elected Official of the Year by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
• The Heartland Mobility Forum will be hosted by the HRTPO on October 30, 2019 and feature David Darm, Executive Director of the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.

Update on Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES)

The Southwest-Central Florida Connector is proposed through the Heartland, impacting all CFRPC counties except Okeechobee. Ms. Steed gave an update on the activities of the task force and their objectives and schedule.

• Next Meeting of the Southwest-Central Florida Connector Task Force: October 30, 2019, 10:00 am, Polk State College – Lakeland Campus
• Next Community Open House: November 12, 2019, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Wauchula Train Depot

Heartland 2060 Summits

Pat Steed, CFRPC Executive Director, presented highlights from the Heartland 2060 Summit held in Winter Haven on September 20, 2019.

Presenters included Kevin Thibault, Secretary of the FDOT; Tony Carvajal, the Florida Chamber Foundation; Dr. Thomas Hoctor; and L.K. Nandam, FDOT District One Secretary. View presentations from the event:

• The Heartland 2060 Vision
• The Florida 2030 Project
• Heartland Trends
• Trends Impacting the Environment
• Trends Impacting Transportation

The next summit will be held on Wednesday, November 13 in Lake Placid and focus on Education and Talent Pipeline, Agriculture and the Hemp Industry, Transportation and Economic Success, and the Future of Our Communities. RSVP here.

Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Contract for FY 2019-20

Pat Steed presented a continuing contract with emergency preparedness for hazardous materials. These funds are used to train first responders on how to handle hazardous materials and for planning other training exercises. The contract amount is just over $54,000.

• MOTION: To authorize the chair to sign the HMEP contract and the Executive Director to administer the contract. The motion carried unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report

• Pat Steed, CFRPC Executive Director, discussed the August FRCA Policy Board meeting held in Orlando and presented the FRCA Activity Report for August.

An informational brochure was distributed that highlighted CFRPC programs and funding.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on December 11, 2019 at the Bartow Public Library in Polk County. 

Highlights from the August 14, 2019  CFRPC Council Meeting

Highlands County Activities Reports

Randy Vosburg, Highlands County Administrator shared an update of County activities and projects including efforts to ensure their website is ADA compliant, a new Homeless Coalition, and the transition from total volunteer firefighter program to a combination of volunteer and paid firefighters. Upcoming economic development projects include an incoming international plastics recycling company, a grant has been awarded to the City of Avon Park to extend water and wastewater lines to the north, and the new $240 million Nucor Steel Florida facility in Frostproof is expected to create 250 new jobs for the area at an average annual wage of $66,000.

Finance Committee Recommendations

• MOTION: To approve the June 2019 Financial Report as presented carried unanimously.

Post Disaster Recovery Update

Curtis Knowles, CFRPC staff, provided an update on Post Disaster Recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma in 2017, including current damage assessments and identification of ongoing issues. He reported on the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 and its provisions, as well as the long-term recovery groups created for Highlands and Polk Counties which were identified as Tier II Impacted counties. View the Presentation

Heartland 2060 Summits and Community Engagement

An update of the population and economic forecasts for the regional vision known as Heartland 2060, Building a Resilient Region is underway and plans for two Heartland 2060 Summits are scheduled for this Fall. The first summit will be held on September 20, 2019, in Polk County at the Polk State College Center for Public Safety Campus in Winter Haven. The second is planned for November 13 in Highlands County at the Lake Placid Town Hall.

FY 19/20 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant and Competitive Florida Partnership Awards

The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has awarded 19 grants statewide totaling approximately $750,000, which is less than half the funds awarded in previous years. Seven of the 19 local governments receiving these grants are located in the Florida Panhandle due to impacts from Hurricane Michael. Pat Steed, CFRPC Executive Director, reviewed the grants that were awarded within the region, including two Technical Assistance Grants. One grant was awarded to the CFRPC to conduct a second phase of the Heartland 2060 Update. The other was to the City of Frostproof to study how best to expand the City’s sewage treatment plant and effluent disposal capacity. The cities of Ft. Meade and Okeechobee were granted Competitive Florida Partnership grants.

Resolution 2019-8A

• MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2019-8A authorizing the Executive Director to sign and administer the Community Planning Technical Assistance grant as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Resolution 2019-8B

FDOT has proposed a new Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) for Federal 5311 funds awarded to the CFRPC for DeSoto Arcadia Regional Transit (DART) operations associated with the provision of public transportation services in DeSoto County. The funds will be used by the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) to operate the DART Circulator bus in DeSoto County.

• MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2019-8B authorizing the Council to enter into a grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and to authorize the Executive Director to sign and administer the Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA). The motion carried unanimously.

Update on the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO)

Marybeth Soderstrom, CFRPC staff, briefed the Council on current activities of the HRTPO.  The HRTPO Board is scheduled to meet on September 18, 2019, in Sebring where staff will be presenting the biannual Transportation Trends Report for 2019 and discussing the Heartland 2060 Initiative integrating into the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Update for 2045.

Update on Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES)

The Southwest-Central Florida Connector is proposed through the Heartland, impacting all CFRPC counties except Okeechobee. The task force has been appointed with 45 members from State Agencies and Commissions, environmental groups, and local government officials across the Heartland. Ms. Steed presented a list of representatives from the region serving on the Southwest-Central Florida Connector Task Force.  View the Presentation

Executive Director’s Report

• Pat Steed, CFRPC Executive Director, presented FRCA Activity Report for July.
• Ms. Steed noted that CFRPC staff participates in the United Way Campaign each year. This year’s total contributions exceeded last year’s figures, and she is pleased to once again report 100% of staff participated in the campaign with a contribution to United Way.

CFRPC Recognized with 2 National Awards

The CFRPC has been selected as a 2019 NADO Impact Awards recipient. NADO promotes regional strategies, partnerships and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life across America’s local communities.

CFRPC Recognized as Employer of Distinction

The CFRPC has been recognized by CareerSource Polk as an Employer of Distinction. The award highlights employers who exemplify best practices in their workplace and who are committed to improving the quality of life for their employees and have won the Best Places to Work Award for three consecutive years.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on October 9, 2019 at the Okeechobee County Courthouse in the City of Okeechobee. 

Highlights from the June 12, 2019  CFRPC Council Meeting

Finance Committee Recommendations

• MOTION: To approve the Budget Amendment for FY 2018-19 as presented carried unanimously.
• MOTION: To approve the Proposed FY 2019-20 Annual Budget as presented carried unanimously.
• MOTION: To approve the $0.30 per capita Member Assessments for FY 2018-19, as presented carried unanimously.
• MOTION: To approve the Cash Flow Reserve Fund Policy as presented carried unanimously.
• MOTION: To approve the Audit Engagement Letter as presented carried unanimously.
• MOTION: To approve the Military Leave Policy as presented carried unanimously.

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Contract for FY 2019-20

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is a group of first responders from cities and counties in the five-county region, as well as first responders from private businesses. The contract work will begin July 1, 2019:

• MOTION: To approve the FY 2019-20 LEPC Contract, authorize the Chairman’s Signature and authorize the Executive Director to administer the contract. The motion carried unanimously.

Contract with Department of Emergency Management (DEM) for Hazards Analysis (HA) Services

• MOTION: To approve the contract with DEM for Hazards Analysis (HA) Services, authorize the Executive Director to execute agreements with the Counties, and administer the grant. The motion carried unanimously.

Aviation Cluster and Feasibility Study and Strategic Action Plan 

The region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) identified aviation and its associated industries as a Target Industry Cluster. A Cluster and Feasibility Study will support the growth of the aviation, aerospace, and logistics industries. VIEW PRESENTATION

• MOTION: To approve the selection committee’s rankings and authorize the Executive Director to negotiate a contract with the first ranked firm, authorize the Executive Director to negotiate a contract with the second-ranked firm should negotiations with the first ranked firm fail, and to authorize the Executive Director to execute the contract. The motion carried unanimously.

Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant and Competitive Florida Partnership Applications

Staff presented a list of Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants and Competitive Florida Partnership Grant applications for FY 2019-20 for jurisdictions within the region, which are awarded by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Seventeen grant applications were filed, including two Competitive Florida Partnership Grants. These grants are offered to communities and the funds are to be used for economic development or planning-related purposes.

Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) Sentinel Landscape Partnership Update

Chad Allison, CFRPC staff, reviewed the history of the Avon Park Air Force Range and its designation as a Sentinel Landscape. Also discussed was the importance of coordinating the future growth of military installations and the increasing land use encroachment challenges for military installations. Mr. Allison provided an overview of the Landowner Assistance Expo (LAX) 2019 which was held on June 5, 2019. VIEW PRESENTATION

Executive Director’s Report

• Community Development and Housing – Signed into law June 28, 2019. VIEW BILL SUMMARY
• Wireless Communication While Driving – Signed into law May 17, 2019. VIEW BILL SUMMARY
• Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (MCORES) – Signed into law May 17, 2019. VIEW BILL SUMMARY
  • There are three separate corridors proposed and three separate task forces will be appointed to guide the corridor development. Each Task Force will include members from Transportation Planning Organizations and Regional Planning Councils in the region. The corridors are scheduled to open to traffic by December 31, 2030. VIEW PRESENTATION
  • MOTION: To authorize the Council Chairman to make the appointment to the Corridor Task Force at the appropriate time. The motion carried unanimously.
• An Automated Connected Electric Shared (ACES) Vehicles Committee has been established to consider what types of technology changes will be affecting future transportation and how roadway systems will be required to change to accommodate those technologies.
• The CFRPC recently received five new vans awarded to the Council through a state grant which requires no funding match. These vans will be used by the Community Transportation Coordinator in the Transportation Disadvantaged program.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on August 14, 2019, at CareerSource Heartland in Sebring.

Highlights from the April 10, 2019  CFRPC Council Meeting

Hardee County Activity Report

• Lex Albritton, Hardee County Administrator, reported Hardee County’s budget for this year has increased by $400,000.
• Building permits have increased from last year, although the lack of housing remains a major issue.
• Many economic development projects are underway including a new Circle-K in Zolfo Springs, new & expanding businesses in the Commerce Park, new mining activity, and an experimental agricultural project in coordination with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and South Florida State College to produce several unique and innovative crops such as olives, hops and Pongamia.
• Mr. Albritton also reported on the technologically-advanced Hardee-Fresh operation, where leafy green vegetables are grown hydroponically. The operation produces several truck-loads of vegetables each day.
• Investments in infrastructure continue as Hardee County’s Road and Bridge Department works to replace the single-laned wooden bridges.

Economic Overview

• Pat Steed, Executive Director, provided a comprehensive overview of the economic conditions and forecasts for the State of Florida, including Florida’s current population growth rate, average annual wage by county, current employment conditions and Florida’s housing market statistics. Download the presentation.
• Shannon McPherson, Program Director, presented regional economic indicators including information on talent supply and education, wage and employment measures, growth measures, and quality of life measures. Download the presentation

Disaster Relief Program

Resolution 2019-4A supports a statewide revolving loan fund program by the US Economic Development Administration and is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to assist eligible businesses affected by Hurricane Irma and future disasters.

• MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2019-4A as presented carried unanimously.

Community Technical Assistance Grant

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury, Deputy Director, presented the list of Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants and Competitive Florida Partnership Grants for FY 2018-19 for jurisdictions within the region. These planning grants are offered to rural communities and the funds may be used for economic development or community planning related purposes.

Heartland 2060 Grant Application

Resolution 2019-4B authorizes the Executive Director to apply for a State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) FY 19/20 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant to continue the update of Heartland2060 Phase 2.

• MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2019-4B as presented carried unanimously.

Heartland 2060 and Proposed New Corridors across CFRPC Counties

Pat Steed provided an overview of the grassroots visioning effort Heartland 2060 and shared how the regional vision addresses the balance of economic development, natural resources, and multi-modal transportation systems as the region grows. She discussed the proposed Senate Bill 7068, which aims to develops three new multi-use corridors to support rural economic development including a corridor from Collier to Polk County.

Update on the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO)

• Marybeth Soderstrom, Engagement and Mobility Manager, stated staff is staying abreast of the potential new corridors and other legislative issue through the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council (MPOAC).
• At the next HRTPO meeting, members will update the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), which serves as a business plan and budget for the HRTPO. The HRTPO will also be reviewing the transportation project applications submitted to the HRTPO. Projects will be ranked and submitted to FDOT by July 2019 for consideration for programming. The draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for FY 2019/20 – 2023/24 will be presented for review. This document includes all transportation projects within the HRTPO region for the five-year period.

Proposal for new Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA)

Pat Steed reported on current legislative activities including the texting while driving bill, county impact fee bill and the growth management bill. Ms. Steed also reported on the status of proposed legislation to update the Statewide Regional Evacuation Plans for all RPCs. CFRPC staff members continue to work on a number of projects including Post Disaster Recovery.

Other Business

• Chair Thompson reported the Hardee County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has partnered with Rapid Systems from Tampa to upgrade the county’s broadband service to provide 5G to all parts of Hardee County.
• Bryant Culpepper shared that in June 2019 the new $1.4 billion clean burning natural gas Power Plant in Okeechobee County will begin service.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on June 12, 2019, at the Warner University Board Room in Lake Wales.

Highlights from the February 13, 2019  CFRPC Council Meeting

New Member

Council Attorney Norman White administered the new member Oath of Office to Commissioner Rob Jerriel, City of Okeechobee.

DeSoto County Activity Report

• DeSoto County Administrator Mandy Hines discussed the county’s recent success in joining the P25 Public Safety Communications Network with Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties—the addition helping to create the largest interconnected P25 system in the nation.
• Construction of a new $1.7 million fire station has been completed, and construction of a new $4.2 million section of the county’s landfill is underway.
• Work is being done to combat erosion at Morgan Park along the Peach River, damage intensified by the effects of Hurricane Irma.
• The DeSoto County Board of County Commission approved the construction of a $18 million Nuco Citrus facility on Hwy 72, across from the Peace River Citrus Plant. The Nuco Citrus manufacturing plant will provide 120 high-paying jobs to the community.

Status Report for The Heartland Regional Transportation Organization (HRTPO)

• Work to update the HRTPO 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) has begun. The LRTP will forecast future growth of the six-county region and the need for possible new corridors for added capacity to the road system for 2045.
• The Council has received grant funding from DEO to update the population and economic forecast for the Heartland 2060 effort, which will be used to update the LRTP.
• Coordination is continuing towards improving the safety of several corridors in the region, including SR 70.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grant Applications

FDOT has proposed a new Public Transit Grant Agreement for Federal 5310 funds awarded to the CFRPC for transportation for the elderly and individuals with disabilities through the coordinated system in Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties.

• MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2019-2A, authorizing the Executive Director to enter into the Public Transit Grant Agreement carried unanimously.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grant Applications

FDOT has proposed a new Public Transit Grant Agreement for Federal 5311 funds awarded to the CFRPC for public transportation through the coordinated system in Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties.

• MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2019-2B, authorizing the Executive Director to enter into the Public Transit Grant Agreement carried unanimously.

Florida 2030

John Kaliski, Cambridge Systematics, presented information, findings and recommendations of the Florida 2030 project—which was led by the Florida Chamber Foundation to develop a blue-print for Florida’s future economy.  View the Presentation

Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA) January Policy Board Meeting

John Kaliski, Cambridge Systematics, presented information, findings and recommendations of the Florida 2030 project—which was led by the Florida Chamber Foundation to develop a blue-print for Florida’s future economy.  View the Presentation

Executive Director’s Report

• The CFRPC is continuing to work with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) on the Aviation Study grant for Highlands and Polk Counties.
• Staff is also assisting in the preparation of an EDA grant application that will support the inter-modal activity at one of our region’s airports.
• Ms. Steed presented the FRCA Monthly Progress Report which provided information on current activities.

Election of Council Officers for 2019

• Based on the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, the following actions were taken:
  • MOTION: To appoint Commissioner Mike Thompson of Hardee County to serve as Chair carried unanimously.
  • MOTION: To appoint Commissioner Neda Cobb of City of Wauchula to serve as Vice-Chair carried unanimously.

Membership Appointments for 2018

• FRCA Policy Board
  • Commissioner Buddy Mansfield
  • City Commissioner Nathaniel Birdsong
  • Ms. Jacqueline Tucker
  • City Commissioner Neda Cobb (alternate)
• Finance Committee
  • Gubernatorial Appointee Donna Howerton
  • Commissioner Don Elwell
  • City Commissioner Neda Cobb
  • Commissioner Mike Thompson

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on April 10, 2019, at the Hardee County Commission Board Room in Wauchula.

Highlights from the October 10, 2018  CFRPC Council Meeting

Okeechobee Economic Activity Report

Terry Burroughs, Okeechobee County Commissioner and Chair of Florida’s Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity (FHERO), provided a presentation regarding current economic activities in Okeechobee County. Okeechobee County has certified shove- ready sites available with infrastructure, including broadband, already in place which increases the potential of new companies locating into their county. Commissioner Burroughs stated that a Comprehensive Work Education Training Program which will teach soft skills, such as check writing, in the school system is being promoted in Okeechobee County. View the presentation.

Water Management District Overview of The Watershed And Blue-Green Algae Bloom Status 

Elizabeth Pigman, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), provided an overview of efforts currently being taken to address the blue-green algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee including historic information and the SFWMD’s Watershed Restoration Project. View the presentation.

More information can be obtained at www.sfwmd.gov

Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact Update

Marcos Montes De Oca, Okeechobee City Administrator, provided an update on the Lake Okeechobee Regional Compact. The Compact is a potential commitment by 164 municipalities and 19 counties to collaborate, support, and work together across jurisdictional boundaries to create a comprehensive plan addressing environmental and economic challenges associated with discharges from Lake Okeechobee

Resolution for Biosolids Alternatives

Biosolids are a sewage sludge byproduct that is removed from 4,100 active wastewater facilities in Florida and regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). View the presentation.

MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2018-10A supporting collaborating with the Florida Regional Councils Association, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida League of Cities, Small County Coalition, FDEP, Department of Agriculture, and other partners to find alternatives for biosolids management, carried unanimously

Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape Update  

There are 20 military installations in Florida and they have nearly an $80 billion annual impact on Florida’s economy.  It is important to coordinate with local governments on compatibility for future growth as increasing encroachment creates challenges for military installations and potentially impacts the installation’s mission.

The Sentinel Landscape program was created by the US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Defense, and US Department of Interior to benefit working lands, wildlife conservation and military readiness. View the presentation.

FY 2018/19 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant and Competitive Florida Partnership Awards  

The CFRPC was awarded a Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant that will fund an update of the Heartland 2060 population and economic forecasts and build an interactive tool so that the data can be easily accessed.

Also in the region, Highlands County, Frostproof, and Polk City were awarded Competitive Florida Partnership grants, and Highlands County, Lake Alfred, Wauchula, and Winter Haven were awarded Community Planning Technical Assistance grants.

Contract for Technology Services

Staff presented a summary of services provided by Cipher Integration, Inc. and stated that the Council utilizes the information technology company to provide support services to the Council’s computer system and network.

MOTION: To approve the agreement with Cipher Integration, Inc. for a contract period of October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 carried unanimously.

Resolution for Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) Extension With FDOT

The Council maintains JPAs with FDOT to expend awarded grant funds. Contract #G0A13 for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 for the Enhancement of Mobility for Seniors and individuals with disabilities in Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties is set to expire December 31, 2018.

MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2018-10B authorizing the extension of Contract #G0A13 through December 31, 2019 carried unanimously.

Status Report for The Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO)

FDOT is scheduled to present their draft Tentative Five Year Work Program to the HRTPO Board on November 28, 2018.  Staff continues to work on completing the federal requirements of setting new targets and measures for the transportation planning process.

Appoint Committee to Nominate 2019 Council Officers

Mike Thompson, Council Chair, appointed the following members to serve on the committee to nominate officers of the Council for 2019:

• Polk County Gubernatorial Appointee Hazel Sellers
• Sebring City Commissioner John Shoop
• Okeechobee County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper

The election will take place at the December 2018 Council Meeting.

Executive Director’s Report

The FRCA Policy Board Meeting was held in August and Council Members Jackie Tucker, Nathaniel Birdsong and Buddy Mansfield were in attendance. The Board discussed biosolids and the impacts of red tide, particularly on coastal areas. Regional Planning Councils are going to be studying the economic impacts of the red tide using Regional Economic Modeling software.

The annual audit will begin on the last week of October 2018.  The Finance Committee will meet in November and the final audit report will be presented to the Council in December 2018.

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury served on a Department of Environmental Opportunity (DEO) panel in Georgia recently where they showcased the successes in Frostproof and Polk City through the Competitive Florida Grant program.

Several recognitions awarded to the Council since the last meeting:

• United Way of Central Florida – 2019 Pacesetters Recognition
• Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association for Best Practices for South Florida Avenue Complete Street Masterplan
• CareerSource Polk – 2018 Best Places to Work

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on December 12, 2018, at the Bartow Public Library.

Highlights from the August 8, 2018 CFRPC Council Meeting

Highlands County Activity Report

Randy Vosburg, Highlands County Administrator, discussed the administration’s recent reorganization, challenges, and accomplishments. He shared Highlands County’s experience with the Hurricane Irma recovery process, information on the Sebring Parkway, and the use of the Local Option Tourist Development Tax.  View the presentation.

FY 2018/19 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant and Competitive Florida Partnership Awards  

• Staff shared a list of Technical Assistance and Competitive Florida grant applications which were submitted to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) by CFRPC on behalf of several local governments in the region. 
• MOTION: To authorize the Executive Director to sign and administer any Community Planning Technical Assistance grants awarded to CFRPC carried unanimously.
• UPDATE:  The CFRPC was awarded a Community Planning Techincal Assistance Grant that will fund an update of the Heartland 2060 population and economic forecasts and build an interactive tool so that the data can be easily accessed. Congratulations to Highlands County and Polk City that were awarded Competitive Florida Partnership grants and to Frostproof, Highlands County, Lake Alfred, Wauchula, and Winter Haven that have all been awarded Community Planning Technical Assistance grants.  Learn more.

Emergency Management and Preparedness and Hazardous Materials Programs

• The CFRPC provides support to Emergency Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Hazardous Materials Programs throughout the region. Training classes and exercises are conducted on a regular basis using real-life scenarios for all emergency and rescue personnel, in both public and private capacities. The Council also works to develop special projects which include Local Mitigation Strategies (LMS), which are comprehensive multi-jurisdictional plans to reduce risk associated with any type of disaster.  View the presentation.

Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) Update

Staff has been working with FDOT and the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to update the Heartland Rural Mobility Plan (HRMP).  This plan studies ways in which mobility services are provided to all six of the HRTPO Counties. The HRMP is currently in draft form.  A Mobility Advisory Committee (MAC) has been assembled to guide the process.  This plan will be presented to the HRTPO committees, then to the HRTPO Board for endorsement at their meeting on September 19, 2018. View the Draft Update to the HRMP.

Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) 2045 Cost Feasible Plan

A presentation on FDOT’s SIS 2045 Cost Feasible Plan, which was in its public review and comment period was provided. The SIS is a list of Florida’s highest priority transportation hubs, corridors, and connectors.  View the presentation.

Proclamation Honoring Michael Busha, Executive Director, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council 

• A proclamation recognizing Michael Busha upon his upcoming retirement in November 2018, was presented. Mr. Busha has led the Treasure Coast RPC as Executive Director for 24 years and has 37 years of service to the agency. 
• MOTION: To adopt the proclamation as presented carried unanimously.

Executive  Director’s  Annual  Performance  Evaluation

• Performance evaluations from Council members were received and the Executive Director received primarily “excellent” ratings and the comments were all positive. 
• MOTION: To approve a cost of living salary increase for FY 2018-19 for the Executive Director that is currently approved for all full-time employees carried unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report

• The Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA) Policy Board Meeting was held August 16 and 17, 2018 in Hollywood, FL in conjunction with the Florida League of Cities annual conference. 
• Staff continues the work on the Sentential Landscape grant, and a new CFRPC employee came on board in early September in support of this program.
• The Council received an award from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association for the Highlands Transit Development Plan in July. 

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on October 10, 2018, at the Okeechobee County Courthouse, Board of County Commission Chambers.

View the Council Meeting Documents page for Agendas, Minutes, Presentations and upcoming meeting information.