Parks, recreation and infrastructure projects highlight end-of-month meeting
The end-of-month Commission meeting commenced at 6 p.m. with everyone in attendance.
First on the meeting agenda was recognition 26-234- Presentation of a Resolution from the Florida League of Cities recognizing Commissioner Mary Thomas-Mathis for her years of Municipal Service as a City Commissioner.
Mathis was recognized for her 25 years of elected service for Plant City.
“It has been my honor to serve you,” Mathis said. “I love you, and I love my fellow commissioners. Thank you so much.”
Next was recognition 26-265 – Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing July 2026 as “Park and Recreation Month in Plant City.”
Julie Garretson, director of Parks and Recreation, said this month of recognition falls every July, and this year the team will celebrate on July 17.
The commissioners thanked Garretson for her hard work, and the efforts Parks and Recreation makes for the city to maintain the fields and host events.
During public comment, Alyssa Salvano thanked Garretson, but raised concerns about a number of homeless people congregating in one of the parks.
“Our kids can’t play there because we don’t know who is there or what is left behind,” Salvano said.
She also addressed the concern of people parking their cars on the grass.
“Our city people are disrespecting parks and recreation,” Salvano said.
Next the commission unanimously approved consent agenda items 26-275- Resolution approving minutes of Regular meeting held June 8, 2026, and 26-268- Resolution accepting the easement and mortgage subordination from Southern Oaks E-2, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, for meters and backflow preventer assemblies.
The City Manager reports were next on the agenda.
26-267- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Work Order 25-040PK-JG-PB-05 with Rep Services, Inc., for Gilchrist Playground shade sails.
Garretson said the shade sails will improve sunlight and heat on the playground and help prevent the color from fading.
She asked the commission to approve $170,134 to design, permit, and install the shade sails. The project will be complete in 30 weeks from notice to proceed.
Commissioner Karen Kerr asked if these will sustain strong winds, and Garretson said they can handle 170 mph winds, and the staff can take them down if the city is expecting a direct hit.
“It’s kind of consistent with the operation to have these shade covers,” said Mayor Nate Kilton. “I’m happy to add this in this particular park because it’s intended for accessibility.”
The resolution passed 5-0.
26-269- Resolution authorizing the replacement of ballfield fencing at MLK Recreation Complex by Witt Fence Co., under Hillsborough County, FL contract ITB-23-24318.
Garretson said the fence has been in the park for over 20 years and needs to be replaced. The fence is curling, damaged, and requires constant maintenance.
She asked the commission to approve $280,630 to add in new fencing. The project is expected to be completed in eight weeks from notice to proceed.
The resolution passed 5-0.
City Manager Bill McDaniel shared that the former post office and basement have been removed and filled. The old bank, which will be renovated and called the Bill Dodson Fiscal Center, is projected to open September 1.
Next were the city clerk items.
26-073- Consideration of a resolution appointing a member to the Library Board.
The three-year term of Laura Schmidt is up on July 1, and the board motioned to approve Schmidt for another three-year term.
This resolution passed 5-0.
26-271- Consideration of a resolution appointing an alternate member to the Code Enforcement Board.
There have been two vacant alternative positions for several months and an application came in from Maurice Wilson.
Kilton is concerned about Wilson’s previous track record of missing two to three meetings back in 2022 but said everyone deserves another chance.
The resolution to appoint Mr. Wilson as an alternative was approved 5-0.
Last on the list was resolution and ordinance 26-279- Resolution setting a legislative public hearing on an ordinance amending Plant City Code regarding Chapter 74.
The resolution passed 5-0 and will be held on July 13.
The meeting ended at 6:50 p.m.
