Serving DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee and Polk Counties

Meeting Highlights

  • Okeechobee County Administrator Deborah Manzo provided an update on Okeechobee activities.
  • 2023 Supplemental Update to the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Heartland Region.
  • Florida Wildlife Corridor Planning and Development Data Statewide Study Project Overview.

Actions Taken

  • Approval of August 2, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes.
  • Approval of August Financial Report.
  • Authorized the submittal of US Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant for the Partnership Planning grant for FY 2024-27. This grant funds the coordination, preparation and maintenance of the EDD’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and allows the EDD to provide technical assistance to communities throughout the region.
  • Authorized the submittal of an EPA Grant US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Grant
  • Authorized the submittal of FTA 5310, 5311 and 5339 Grant Programs for operating and capital support the Transportation Disadvantaged Program, rural transit services and mobility management programs in DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee counties.

Curtis Knowles, FPEM

Curtis Knowles, FPEM has been promoted to the new position of Emergency Management & Community Projects Director. Curtis also continues to serve as the Local Emergency Planning Committee Coordinator. Congratulations, Curtis!Curtis Knowles, FPEM
has been promoted to the new position of Emergency Management & Community Projects Director. Curtis also continues to serve as the Local Emergency Planning Committee Coordinator.

Congratulations, Curtis!

 

 

 

 

 

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for December 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.at the Winter Haven Fieldhouse & Conference Center.

CFRPC Council February 2023

Career Source Heartland

Meeting Highlights

  • Public Transportation Grant Agreements (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for 5311 Funds
  • Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24
  • Hazards Analysis (HA) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24
  • Hazards Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24

Actions Taken

Approvals:

  • April 12, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes
  • May 2023 Financial Report
  • Resolution 2023-6A approving Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation for 5311 Funds
  • Authorized Executive Director to sign and administer the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24
  • Authorized Executive Director to sign and administer the Hazards Analysis (HA) Grant Agreement for FY 2023-24

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for August 9, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at the Jack Stroup Civic Center in Sebring.

CFRPC Council February 2023

DeSoto County Commission Chambers

Meeting Highlights

CFRPC Staff supported an Economic Recovery & Resiliency Federal Interagency Resource Exchange (FIRE) Listening Session on February 6 in Arcadia.

  • CFRPC Staff supported an Economic Recovery & Resiliency Federal Interagency Resource Exchange (FIRE) Listening Session on February 6 in Arcadia.
  • The Heartland Regional Resiliency Action Plan Project Kickoff meeting was held virtually on January 23
  • A presentation of regional economic indicators highlighted positive over-the-year job growth across all of Flordia’s ten major industries, increases in real annual wages over time, and unemployment rates that have continued to decrease throughout the region.

Actions Taken

Approvals:

  • December 14, 2022 Council Meeting Minutes
  • December 2022 Financial Report
  • Approval of Proposed RFQ and Price Proposal for Technology Consultants
  • Approval of Proposed RFQ and Price Proposal for Agency Insurance
  • Resolution 2023-2A approving Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation for FTA 5339 Capital Grant

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for April 12, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hardee County Commission Chambers in Wauchula.

Winter Haven AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center

Meeting Highlights

Pat Steed 17 Years and 40 years in region

Pat Steed was celebrated for 17 Years of Service & Leadership to the Council, and 40 Years of Service to the Region.

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury to assume duties of Executive Director

Council approved contract with Jennifer Codo-Salisbury to assume duties of Executive Director on January 1, 2023.

Tami Hulse, Finance Director CFRPC Employee of the Year 2023

Tami Hulse, Finance Director, was named CFRPC Employee of the Year.

Lisa Wiegers 15 years of service

Lisa Wiegers and Shannon McPherson were recognized for 15 years of service to the Council..

Curtis Knowles 5 years of service

Curtis Knowles was recognized for 5 years of service to the Council.

Actions Taken

 

Keith Keene, City of Arcadia, was reelected to serve as Chair, and Donna Howerton, Highlands County Governor’s Appointee, was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the CFRPC for 2023.

Appointments

FRCA Policy Board representing the CFRPC for 2023:

  • Jaqueline Tucker, DeSoto County Governor’s Appointee
  • Nathanial Birdsong, City of Winter Haven
  • Kelly Owens, Okeechobee County

2023 Finance Committee:

  • Neda Cobb, City of Wauchula
  • Donna Howerton, Highlands County Governor’s Appointee
  • Rick Wilson, Polk County

Approvals

  • October 12, 2022 Council Meeting Minutes
  • October 2022 Financial Report
  • Final Budget Amendment for FY 2021-22
  • Audit Report for FY 2021-22
  • Budget Amendment #1 for FY 2022-23
  • Naming Marybeth Soderstrom as Additional Signatory on Council Banking Accounts
  • Contract with Jennifer Codo-Salisbury
  • Approval of Resolutions 2022-12B through 2022-12T Relating to Change in Executive Director
  • Approval of Resolution 2022-12U authorizing Public Transportation Grant Agreement (PTGA) with the Florida Department of Transportation for FTA 5339 Capital Grant
  • Authorizing Executive Director to submit, execute agreement, and administer EDA Grant
  • 2023 Holiday Schedule
  • Resolution 2022-12V Rescinding Regional Emergency Declaration


The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for February 8, 2022 at
9:30 a.m. at the DeSoto County Commission Chambers in Arcadia.

As a result of the severe damage and flooding occurring in the Region due to Hurricane Ian, this meeting was held virtually.

Meeting Highlights

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury

Jennifer Codo-Salisbury to serve as CFRPC Executive Director, beginning January 1, 2023

Hurricane Ian Impacts on the Region and Resources

Actions Taken

Approvals

  • #1A: Resolution 2022-10A Declaration of Emergency
  • #3A: August 3, 2022 Council Meeting Minutes
  • #3B: August 2022 Financial Report
  • #5: Amendment to Administrative Policy
  • #6: Authorization to Offer 401a Retirement Plan Option to Staff
  • #7: CFRPC Transit Policy
  • #8: Resolution 2022-10B Authorization to Apply for FTA 5310, 5311, and 5339
  • #11: Nominating Committee Appointed

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for December 14, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in Winter Haven.

Links mentioned:

https://www.floridadisaster.org/

https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Actions Taken

  • A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the formation of the Heartland Regional Resiliency Coalition to promote a collaborative partnership within the seven counties of the Heartland Region was approved

Resolutions Adopted:
Each resolution authorizes Patricia M. Steed, Executive Director, to enter into, modify,
extend, or terminate a Public Transit Grant Agreement (PTGA) with Florida
Department of Transportation, unless specifically rescinded.

Public Transportation Grant Agreements (PTGA) with FDOT

  • Resolution 2022-1A, FTA 5311 ARP Mobility Management
  • Resolution 2022-1B, FTA 5310 CRRSAA and ARP DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands (Rural), and Okeechobee
  • Resolution 2022-1C, FTA 5310 DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands (Rural), and Okeechobee
  • Resolution 2022-1D, FTA 5310 CRRSAA Small Urban
  • Resolution 2022-1E, FTA 5311 DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands (Rural), and Okeechobee

Resolution 2022-1F, FTA 5311 DeSoto (DART)

Executive Director’s Report

The next meeting of the CFRPC is scheduled for April 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in Hardee County.

Actions Taken

Administrative Approvals:

  • June 9, 2021 Council Minutes
  • Financial Report
  • Appointment of Okeechobee County Commissioner Kelly Owens, Winter Haven City Commissioner Nathaniel Birdsong, and DeSoto County Gubernatorial Appointee Jackie Tucker to serve as the Nominating Committee for 2022
  • Executive Director’s Annual Performance Evaluation

Resolutions Adopted:

  • Resolution 2021-9A authorizing Federal Transit Administration Grant Applications for the 5310, 5311, and 5339 programs
  • Resolution 2021-9B to pursue formation of the Heartland Regional Resiliency Coalition
  • Resolution 2021-9C authorizing administration of Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Grant for FY 2021/22

Contracts and Grant Agreements Approved:

  • Contract with Emergency Response Educators and Consultants, Inc as Emergency Management Exercise Consultant
  • Contract with Response Technologies Corporation for Emergency Management Training Consultant

Executive Director’s Report

  • Welcome new Council Member Noel Chandler, City of Okeechobee.
  • CFRPC staff presented on two panels at the American Planning Association of Florida’s annual conference in August to share the Council’s efforts on Heartland 2060 and the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape project.
  • Councilmembers Nathaniel Birdsong, Jackie Tucker, and Neda Cobb represented the CFRPC at the July Florida Regional Council Association’s Policy Board meeting.
  • The Council office and grounds are undergoing scheduled maintenance and renovations. This will include the removal of an oak tree per the recommendation of experts.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be on December 8, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Advent Health Fieldhouse in Winter Haven

Top row from left to right: The Honorable Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Winter Haven; The Honorable Morris West, Haines City; The Honorable Charlie Lowrance, Sebring; The Honorable Keith Keene, Arcadia (Council Vice Chair); The Honorable Bobby Keefe, City of Okeechobee; The Honorable Rick Wilson, Polk County; Pat Steed, CFRPC Executive Director. Bottom row from left to right: Chandra Frederick, Polk County (Ex-Officio); The Honorable Kathleen Rapp, Highlands County; The Honorable Kelly Owens, Okeechobee County; The Honorable Neda Cobb, Wauchula (Council Chair); The Honorable Ashley Coone, DeSoto County; Jacqueline Tucker, DeSoto County Gubernatorial Appointee; Cindy Rodriguez, Southwest Florida Water Management District (Ex-Officio). Not Pictured: The Honorable Judith George, Hardee County; The Honorable Donna Howerton, Highlands County Gubernatorial Appointee; Jeff Kincart, Polk County Gubernatorial Appointee; The Honorable Chad McLeod, Lakeland.

Top row from left to right: The Honorable Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Winter Haven; The Honorable Morris West, Haines City; The Honorable Charlie Lowrance, Sebring; The Honorable Keith Keene, Arcadia (Council Vice Chair); The Honorable Bobby Keefe, City of Okeechobee; The Honorable Rick Wilson, Polk County; Pat Steed, CFRPC Executive Director.
Bottom row from left to right: Chandra Frederick, Polk County (Ex-Officio); The Honorable Kathleen Rapp, Highlands County; The Honorable Kelly Owens, Okeechobee County; The Honorable Neda Cobb, Wauchula (Council Chair); The Honorable Ashley Coone, DeSoto County; Jacqueline Tucker, DeSoto County Gubernatorial Appointee; Cindy Rodriguez, Southwest Florida Water Management District (Ex-Officio).
Not Pictured: The Honorable Judith George, Hardee County; The Honorable Donna Howerton, Highlands County Gubernatorial Appointee; Jeff Kincart, Polk County Gubernatorial Appointee; The Honorable Chad McLeod, Lakeland.

Actions Taken

Administrative Approvals:

  • April 14, 2021 Council Minutes
  • Financial Report
  • Budget Amendment #2 for FY 2020-21
  • Proposed FY 2021-22 Annual Budget
  • Member Assessments for FY 2021-22
  • FY 2020-21 Audit Engagement Letter

Resolutions Adopted:

  • Resolution 2021-6A which rescinds Resolution 2020-5B, Emergency Covid-19 Measures

Contracts and Grant Agreements Approved:

  • Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Selection of Technology Consultants
  • Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Grant Agreement
  • Hazards Analysis (HA) Grant Agreement
  • Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Contract

Executive Director’s Report

  • Welcome new Council Member Ashley Coone, DeSoto County Commissioner.
  • Legislation passed changing the M-CORES program. Two corridors planned to extend from the Turnpike north from Wildwood remained in the legislation, however, the Southwest Corridor Connector was eliminated along with additional funding for the Transportation Disadvantaged Program, broadband, employment training, and rural resurfacing grants.
  • The Statewide Regional Evacuation Study will be completed this summer, and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mitigation Study will begin in October.  The Department of Defense (DOD) Compatible Use Plan for Avon Park Air Force Range is underway after a delay by the DOD due to the pandemic.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be on September 8, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. in the Okeechobee County Commission Chambers.

Winter Haven Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Birdsong welcomed the Council to Winter Haven and to The AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center.  The facility recently underwent a major renovation, making it a $25 million recreational complex funded by the City of Winter Haven and the Polk County Tourist Development tax.

CFRPC Program Highlights and Regional ROI

Council staff highlighted CFRPC programs and projects from FY 2019-2020, the Florida Regional Council’s Annual Report, and the regional Return on Investment (ROI), sharing that each dollar of member assessment leverages $15 of other funds.

Technical Assistance Grant Updates

The CFRPC assists local governments in applying for and administering State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Competitive Florida Partnership Grants and Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants.

Resolutions to apply for Technical Assistance Grants to support local governments in the Heartland region for FY 2021/22 carried unanimously.

Update on the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) 

Rural Transit Grant Programs 

The CFRPC administers rural transit grants for DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties to support the Transportation Disadvantaged program. The CFRPC also owns and manages a fleet of vehicles used in the Transportation Disadvantaged program and is responsible for the Mobility Management in the Heartland region, including Glades and Hendry Counties.

  • Resolutions to support the rural transit and mobility programs presented carried unanimously.

Executive Director’s Report

A legislative update, a federal update, and the monthly activity report from the Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA) were shared.

  • The Florida Senate 2021 Bill Summaries
  • Florida House of Representatives Bills for Regular Session 2021

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be on June 10, 2021 at 9:30 AM at the Sebring Civic Center.

Welcome New Member!

Council Attorney Norman White administered the new member Oath of Office to Charlie Lowrance, City of Sebring Councilman.

Finance Committee Recommendations

The Council’s Finance Committee conducted a virtual meeting on June 1, 2020.  After reviewing the budget items, the Finance Committee is recommending the Budget Amendment for FY 2019-20, Proposed FY 2020-21 Annual Budget, and Member Assessments for FY 2020-21 for approval.

  • MOTION:  To approve the Budget Amendment for FY 2019-20 carried unanimously.
  • MOTION:  To approve the Proposed FY 2020-21 Annual Budget carried unanimously.
  • MOTION:  To approve the $0.30 per capita Member Assessment for FY 2020-21 carried unanimously.

Economic Status of the Region

An overview of the current economic status of the region including Glades and Hendry Counties was presented including building permits, single-family housing sales, sales tax revenue collected by the State, and the unemployment rates.

Economic Development Administration CARES Act Funding Grant Application

The CFRPC, in its capacity as the Economic Development District for the region, has been invited to apply for supplemental grant funding from the Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This grant is in the amount of $400,000 with no match requirement. The funding will be used for economic recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic. The project will include hiring a Program Manager to serve as the Disaster Economic Recovery Coordinator to implement these efforts while working with partners to speed the recovery process through strategic technical assistance and local capacity building for impacted communities in the region.

  • MOTION:  To approve the EDA CARES Act grant submittal and authorize the Executive Director to sign and administer the grant carried unanimously.

FY 2019/20 Competitive Florida Partnership Grant and Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants updates

In  2019/20 the CFRPC, often in partnership with a local government agency, completed all deliverables for the following State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)  Competitive Florida Partnership and Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants:

  • City of Okeechobee – Economic Development Strategy & Disaster Resiliency Plan, DEO Competitive Florida Partnership Grant
  • City of Okeechobee – Comprehensive Plan & LDC Update addressing Economic Development & Disaster Resiliency, DEO Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant
  • City of Fort Meade – Economic Development Strategy & Disaster Resiliency Plan, DEO Competitive Florida Partnership Grant
  • City of Frostproof – Administration for Utility Study Grant, DEO Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant
  • CFRPC – Heartland 2060 Revisted, DEO Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant

Authorization to Execute and Administer Grants

The CFRPC administers grant programs bringing technical assistance, economic development, Local Emergency Planning, and Hazardous Analysis (HA) Services to the Region.

  • MOTION:  To adopt Resolution 2020-6A authorizing the Executive Director to sign and administer the Competitive Florida Partnership Grants for FY 2020/21 carried unanimously.
  • MOTION:  To adopt Resolution 2020-6B authorizing the Executive Director to sign and administer the Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants carried unanimously.
  • MOTION:  To approve the reoccurring contract to support the Central Florida LEPC program carried unanimously.
  • MOTION:  To approve the Hazardous Analysis Grant Agreement and authorize the Executive Director to sign and administer the Grant Agreement carried unanimously.

Update on Heartland 2060

CFRPC Staff is in the second year of work updating Heartland 2060: Building a Resilient Region. Two successful summits were held in late 2019. The third summit was canceled due to the current public health crisis. An online survey was conducted and staff received 504 responses from stakeholders and the general public.

Updates to Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

The COOP that addresses how the timely completion of all tasks throughout the duration of an emergency regardless of the nature and duration of that emergency, will be accomplished.

  • MOTION:  To approve the updated Continuity of Operations Plan for CFRPC 2020 as presented carried unanimously.

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

The next HRTPO Board meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2020, at which the Board will be asked to approve the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The TIP includes the Draft Tentative Five Year Work Program for FDOT. Staff continues to work to update the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for 2045, which is an ongoing process. The staff has also prepared a Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Plan, which is a required document and will also be presented to the Board for approval.

Executive Director’s Report

M-CORES Southwest/Central Task Force

Project Updates

  • Staff continues to work with local governments and are in the process of completing many tasks related to the HRTPO, Emergency Management, and other grant deliverables that are required to be completed by the end of June.

Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA) Monthly Report

Florida Regional Planning Council Executive Directors are conducting weekly conference calls to continue coordinating work activities and statewide initiatives. The FRCA Policy Board will conduct a virtual meeting on July 10, 2020.